Today, 7:05 p.m.: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (3-0, 2.91) vs. RHP Javier Martinez (2-2, 6.20)

Wednesday, 6 p.m.: RHP Marc Kaiser (3-1, 3.96) vs. LHP Arturo Lopez (3-1, 4.17)

Thursday, 7:05 p.m.: RHP Steven Register (2-5, 5.47) vs. RHP Dirk Hayhurst (0-1, 5.52)

RECORDS: Modesto 27-24, Storm 27-22

FRESH STARTER: Hayhurst has stepped into the rotation behind Lopez, replacing Chris Tierney, who was moved to the bullpen. Hayhurst gave up four runs on nine hits in five innings in his first start at Bakersfield on Friday, but got a no-decision after the Storm rallied late to tie the game, but lost in extra innings. Martinez is coming off his best outing of the season when he threw seven shutout innings against Lancaster, and Lopez has had three straight quality starts.

DEM GUYS: Modesto has won seven of its last 10 games, including two of three against Stockton over the weekend. Like the Storm, the Nuts were off Monday. The Storm will face Modesto's two best starters in terms of ERA in Jimenez and Kaiser, and Register has been their workhorse, leading them in innings pitched with 51 in 10 starts. Jud Thigpen (.306) is the only Oaks regular hitting over .300, though Matthew Macri is close at .299. Joe Gaetto leads the club with eight home runs and 28 RBIs.

BALANCING ACT: The Storm's offense has been at the top of the California League all season, but the pitching staff is pulling its share of the load, too. Storm hitters lead the league with a .295 average and 300 runs. Steve Baker is setting the pace for the Storm at .354, and Drew Macias is tops with 39 runs. The Storm's staff is fifth in team ERA at 4.55 and fourth in fewest home runs surrendered with 37.

* All records and stats are through Sunday.

—— ED WEHDE