66ers Grab One Late

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Inland Empire 66ers rallied from a late deficit to take the opening game of a six-game series, defeating the Quakes on Tuesday night by a final of 10-7 at LoanMart Field.

The 66ers capitalized on a rough eighth inning for the Quakes’ pitching staff, as they scored five runs on only one hit, taking the lead for good to snap their own three-game losing streak.

The Quakes fell into a 4-0 hole, before battling back. Two runs in the fourth cut the deficit in half, as Damon Keith knocked in a run, then scored on a balk by starter Connor Van Scoyoc, making it 4-2.

Inland got a run back in the fifth, but Rancho stormed back in the sixth, scoring five times to take a 7-5 lead. Javier Armas had the biggest hit of the inning, as his two-run double chased home a pair.

Rancho reliever Jon Edwards (1-1) struggled to open the eighth, walking all three batters he faced. Madison Jeffrey, called upon to take over with the bases loaded, didn’t fare much better, as Inland plated five runs on just one hit in the inning and the 66ers took a 10-7 lead.

The Quakes would go hitless the rest of the way against Inland Empire reliever Dayan Reinoso, who earned his sixth save.

Gabriel Hernandez (2-2) got the win in relief for Inland Empire, who now holds a three-game lead over the Quakes in the second half.

The Quakes (15-16, 51-46) will send Edgardo Henriquez (2-3) to the mound on Wednesday, while Inland Empire will go with lefty Joey Walsh (3-3). Game time is 6:30pm.

Wednesday is another Terra Vista Animal Hospital Bark in the Ballpark, as four-legged friends are welcome with the purchase of a $3 Pet Pass. Tickets are available at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field...Go Quakes!