Keith Homers Twice, Quakes Within One of Storm

Stockton, CA – Damon Keith hit a pair of home runs, including an inside-the-park shot, as the Quakes won their second straight overall, defeating the Stockton Ports by a final of 11-6 on Tuesday night at Banner Island Ballpark.

Keith’s first long-ball was a two-run homer that put the Quakes ahead for good in the first inning. His second was also a two-run home run, his seventh of the year, that helped the Quakes build a 9-3 advantage later in the game.

Rancho put six runs on the board over the first two innings and never looked back, as their win, coupled with Lake Elsinore’s loss on Tuesday night, moves the Quakes to just one game of the first-place Storm with 14 to play in the first half.

Jake Vogel had two hits and scored three runs, while Austin Gauthier had a pair of doubles and a pair of runs scored to help pace Rancho’s 11-hit attack.

Quakes’ starter Ronan Kopp was sharp in his second start, although he gave up a two-out homer in the second, allowing just one run on one hit over two innings. Adolfo Ramirez had his second straight solid outing, as he earned the win with 2.2 hitless innings of scoreless relief.

The Quakes (29-23) send Peter Heubeck (0-0) to the mound on Wednesday in game two against the Ports. Stockton will counter with Yehizon Sanchez (1-2) with first pitch at 7:05pm.

The Quakes will return to LoanMart Field on Tuesday, June 14th, as they take on Inland Empire in the opener of a six-game series. Tuesday will be a Healthy RC Recycle Tuesday, as fans that pledge to recycle ten CRV-eligible bottles and cans will get a free Club Seat Ticket to the game. Tickets are available at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field...Go Quakes!