Quakes Hold Off 66ers on Saturday

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Quakes blasted three home runs and Madison Jeffrey pitched around some late trouble to put Rancho Cucamonga in the win column, 7-6 over the Inland Empire 66ers on Saturday night.

More than 4,200 fans at LoanMart Field sweated out a nail-biter, as the 66ers scored a run and loaded the bases with two outs in the eighth inning against Ben Harris. Madison Jeffrey was called upon to come out of the bullpen to face Arol Vera and protect the one-run lead. Jeffrey fell behind 3-1, but after running the count full, got Vera to weakly ground out to end the threat and keep the score, 7-6.

Jeffrey got into a bit of trouble to open the ninth, as he hit Werner Blakely with a pitch to put the tying run on base. He settled in though, striking out the next two hitters before getting catcher Myles Emmerson on a come-backer to the mound, giving Jeffrey his second save of the year.

Luis Rodriguez (5), Damon Keith (9) and Nelson Quiroz (4) all went deep for Rancho, which out-hit Inland Empire on the night, 14-7.

Quakes’ reliever Adolfo Ramirez (3-0) allowed two runs over three innings to earn the win in relief of starter Ronan Kopp, who gave the Quakes two innings to start, allowing one earned run.

66ers’ starter Julio Goff (4-4) got saddled with seven runs over five innings, taking the loss.

The win keeps the Quakes in control of their own fate, as they’re three games back of first-place Lake Elsinore with four to play. If the Quakes win out, they’ll be First Half South Champions.

On Sunday, the Quakes and 66ers finish their six-game series at 2pm. Benony Robles (3-2) takes on Joey Walsh (1-2) of the 66ers in the finale. Sunday is Father’s Day at LoanMart Field, as dads and kids can Run the Bases after the game. Tickets are available at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field...Go Quakes!