STOCKTON, Calif.— The Stockton Ports (40-57) outhit the Modesto Nuts (53-44) in the series opener on Wednesday night at Banner Island Ballpark, but stranded 14 runners on base and lost the contest, 4-1.

The Nuts, off the home run power of Jason Van Kooten and Brian Rike, were able to capture their eleventh win against the Ports this season. Ports starter Pedro Figueroa picked up his second loss of the season, despite allowing just two runs on four hits in 6.0 innings, and striking out five. Justin Friend allowed two runs on a two-run blast by Rike in 2.0 innings of relief. Lance Sewell pitched a scoreless ninth frame for Stockton.

The Ports offense, which collected eight hits in the game, was unable to bring home runners. The Ports went 3x13 with runners in scoring position. Steve Kleen led the offense with two hits, and Yusuf Carter and Matt Smith both doubled in the game. The Ports left the bases loaded with two out twice in the contest.

The Nuts took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning when Van Kooten slammed a long home run to right field off Figueroa.

Stockton responded in the bottom of the second to tie the game. Carter doubled to lead off the frame to left field, and came home to score on an RBI double by Smith. It was the only run the Ports would collect.

An RBI single by Modesto shortstop Hector Gomez brought home center fielder Charlie Blackmon to put the Nuts up 2-1. In the seventh inning, Friend gave up a two-run home run to right fielder Rike to make it 4-1.

The Ports had plenty of opportunity to catch up to the Nuts during the game, but their inability to score runs prevented them from capitalizing on the opportunity. Stockton stranded two in the fifth, three in the sixth, two in the seventh and three in the eighth inning.

The Ports will look to even the series in Thursday’s 7:05 p.m. game at Banner Island Ballpark. RHP Scott Hodsdon (4-7, 5.84) will look for his third win against the Nuts, while Modesto will have RHP Cory Riordan (5-6, 4.43) start on the mound.

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