New Era Starts in Rancho, Quakes Beat Sixers

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – A new era of Quakes Baseball kicked off on Thursday night, as five recently-drafted players debuted and helped the Quakes to a 4-1 win over the Inland Empire 66ers at LoanMart Field.

Although the energy from the new position players was clearly noticeable, the show was stolen by the pitching staff.

Benony Robles, Joan Valdez and Madison Jeffrey combined for 7.1 innings of scoreless baseball, carrying Rancho to their first win of the series and snapping a four-game losing streak.

Trailing 1-0 in the second, Quakes’ catcher Dalton Rushing homered off the scoreboard in right field, tying the game at 1-1.

Robles did the majority of the heavy lifting on Thursday night for the pitching staff, as he enjoyed his best outing of the year, tossing 4.2 innings of scoreless baseball, scattering just two hits and a walk, while striking out four.

The game remained tied until the seventh, as 66ers’ reliever Alex Martinez (2-1) allowed the first three hitters he faced to reach safely. That would force Inland Empire to bring on Kenyon Yovan, who surrendered a two-run double to Taylor Young, as his first hit as a Quakes turned out to be a game-winner, giving Rancho a 3-1 lead. Jake Vogel followed two batters later with a sac fly, giving the Quakes a 4-1 advantage.

Valdez (3-1) protected that lead with 1.2 innings of scoreless relief. Jeffrey pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save of the year.

The Quakes (16-17, 52-47) will look for a second straight win on Friday night, sending Ronan Kopp (5-2) to the mound against Inland Empire’s Jack Kochanowicz (1-4). First pitch on Friday is 6:30pm.

Friday is Tony Gonsolin Bobblehead Giveaway, to 1,500 fans in attendance. It’s also Friday Night Fun, thanks to Yamaava’ Resort and Casino at San Manuel. Gates open at 5:30pm and game time is 6:30pm. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field...Go Quakes!