VISALIA, Calif. - The 66ers staged a three-run rally in the seventh inning and went on to beat the Rawhide, 6-2, at Recreation Park Friday night. The three-game sweep is Inland Empire's first of the season and catapults the 66ers into first place for the first time this season.For the second night in a row, the 66ers were held at bay by a Visalia starter for most of the game before rallying off the bullpen. California League All-Star Pat McAnaney limited Inland Empire to 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits and no walks before departing after six innings.
Jeff Dietz (3-2) came in from the bullpen to start the seventh inning and Garett Green began the frame by reaching on a throwing error shortstop David Cooper. Pedro Baez drove in Green with an RBI groundout four batters later to give the Sixers the lead. The Rawhide then elected to intentionally walk Steve Caseres with two outs and pitch to Scott Van Slyke. Like he did to the Quakes last series, Van Slyke made Visalia rethink the decision, ripping a two-run single to left, pushing the lead to 5-2.
Inland Empire starter Tim Sexton, a California League All-Star teammate of McAnaney, earned his third straight win after going 11 appearances without a win. The righthander issued a season-high 4 walks, but struck out 6 and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits in 6 innings. Sexton (4-8) lowered his ERA to 2.91, the best among active pitchers in the California League.
After Jake McCarter allowed an unearned run in 1 1/3 innings, Marcel Prado picked up his third save with 1 2/3 scoreless innings despite walking three. Prado walked a pair to load the bases with two outs in the ninth before coaxing a game-ending groundout from Manuel Ferrer.
Elian Herrera went 3-for-4 with 2 runs and an RBI while stealing a pair of bases to run his season total to 21 (tied for third in Cal League) in just 38 games played.
Van Slyke went 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs for his third three-hit game in a week.
Trayvon Robinson hit his 11 homer of the season, a solo shot with two outs in the first, to give Inland Empire a 1-0 lead.
The 66ers return home Saturday, July 4, for an Independence Day clash with the Lancaster JetHawks at 7 :05 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks show to follow the game. Tickets for this game are SOLD OUT. For tickets or more information to future 66ers games, visit www.66ers.com or stop by the 66ers' box office at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino.
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California League Stories from July 4, 2009
• 66ers Rally in Seventh, Sweep Rawhide - Inland Empire 66ers• Modesto Nuts at San Jose Giants, July 4-6 - San Jose Giants
• Giants Held To Season-Low Two Hits In 6-2 Loss - San Jose Giants
• Quakes Rally For 6-4 Win Over Mavericks - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
• Ports Triumph over Giants, 6-2 - Stockton Ports
• Packed House at Hangar Sees JetHawks Fall to Storm - Lancaster JetHawks
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