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Blaze sweep Nuts with help from THS grad Mendonca
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In a span of two days, Turlock High graduate Tommy Mendonca torched the Modesto Nuts before he sizzled down on the third day. Still, his Bakersfield Blaze took care of business.In three games this week against a team he was familiar with growing up, Mendonca — who gained national recognition for leading Fresno State to the 2008 College World Series title — had a 5-for-10 showing with one home run, four runs scored, one triple, one double, three RBIs and some heroics at historic Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield. In the third game, he went 0-for-3 but had one RBI.Mendonca really stood out in the series opener Tuesday night, when he was a homer short of completing the cycle. He tripled, doubled and singled in his first three plate appearances to help the Blaze win 10-3.On the following night, he made up for barely missing the cycle by earning his fifth homer of the season in a 4-3 victory. Though he had a quiet night in the series finale, Mendonca and the Blaze won 5-2 and finished with a 51-53 record.
Stan State’s Ryan, Modesto Nuts alumni Raleigh and Woo take All-Star stage
Joe Ryan
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan throws during fourth inning at the MLB baseball All-Star game between the American League and National League, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta (MIKE STEWART/AP Photo).
A second Home Run Derby of sorts in as many days captivated audiences at the 95th Major League Baseball All-Star Game from Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga. on Tuesday night, with it being the first midsummer classic in history to be decided by the recently-introduced “swing-off” competition. But in between many of the longballs into the humid southern night was straight heat, courtesy of some familiar faces to local baseball fans.
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