Grizzlies Hold Off Quakes on Friday

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Quakes slugged a pair of home runs in front of more than 4,200 fans on Friday night, but fell a run shy against the Fresno Grizzlies, as they dropped a 6-5 decision at LoanMart Field.

Chris Newell (4) went deep and drove in three, while Thayron Liranzo (4) cracked a ninth-inning homer to make it a one-run game, but Grizzlies’ reliever Zach Agnos got the final two hitters to send Rancho to their second straight defeat for the first time this year.

Quakes’ starter Jerming Rosario (0-1) had a tough night, as he gave up four first-inning runs, including a two-run homer to Ryan Ritter, as the Grizzlies never looked back.

Rancho fought back and pulled to within a run at 5-4 against Fresno starter Jordy Vargas, as Newell’s two-run shot in the sixth tightened things up.

Vargas (1-0) got through the sixth and handed it off to the bullpen, with Agnos eventually closing out the ninth for his third save of the year.

The Quakes (7-6) are scheduled to activate Luis Valdez (0-0) off the injured list on Saturday for game five of the six-game set. The Grizzlies are set to counter with Connor Staine (1-0) at 6:30pm. Saturday is Family RV Family Feast Night with $2 hot dogs, $1 Pepsi products and $1 ice cream sandwiches. Tickets are available at rcquakes.com. Go Quakes!