Quakes Drop Series to Storm

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Lake Elsinore Storm got out to a big lead, then held on for an 8-5 win over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Saturday night at LoanMart Field.

The loss leaves the Quakes two games back of the Storm, but just one out of a playoff spot with 13 to play, thanks to Visalia’s loss on Saturday to Inland Empire.

Rancho starter Christian Zazueta (1-5) was solid over five innings, as he didn’t allow an earned run. A throwing error with two outs allowed a pair of runs to score in the third though, as the Storm took a 2-0 lead.

In the sixth, Lake Elsinore exploded with five runs off reliever Joseilyn Gonzalez, with Jack Costello (5) and Oswaldo Linares (2) each smashing a two-run home run to help make it 7-0.

The Quakes couldn’t do much against Storm starter Miguel Mendez (3-4), but they got two back in the sixth against Lake Elsinore reliever Yovannki Pascual, as Cameron Decker doubled home Eduardo Quintero, then scored on a wild pitch, making it 7-2.

Trailing 8-2 in the ninth, Rancho got three, but couldn’t get the tying run out of the hole, as Lake Elsinore’s Yerry Landinez earned his first save of the year.

The Quakes (29-24, 59-58) have now dropped seven of their last eight, but are one game out of the playoffs with 13 to play. On Sunday, the Quakes will send Sterling Patick (0-0) to the mound, as he’ll take on Lake Elsinore’s Johan Moreno (5-2) at 5pm.

Sunday is 2024 Team Photo Giveaway, as 1,500 fans will score a team photo thanks to Millennium Systems. In addition, it’s IEHP Kids Eat Free Sunday and kids will also “Run the Bases” thanks to San Antonio Regional Hospital after the game. Tickets are available at rcquakes.com. Go Quakes!