Bellinger Lifts Quakes to 1-0 Lead over Mavs
September 13, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes News Release
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - Rancho Cucamonga's first postseason game since 2013 ended in style, as Cody Bellinger hit a walk-off homer in the tenth inning to give the Quakes a 3-0 victory over High Desert at LoanMart Field on Saturday night.
With 3,084 fans sitting on the edge of their seats, Rancho Cucamonga (1-0) tallied the only runs of the contest in the bottom of the tenth against Mavericks' reliever Ryan Ledbetter (0-2). Devan Ahart drew a one-out walk. Tim Locastro singled to left field, setting up runners at first and second. Cody Bellinger, who hit 30 home runs in the regular season and led the California League with 103 RBIs, launched a three-run blast to right field, touching off a wild celebration at home plate. The 20-year-old from Chandler, AZ emerged from the pile with his jersey missing as the Quakes captured the first game in the best-of-five South Division Finals.
High Desert (2-2) tried to rally in the top of the tenth. After reliever Josh Sborz retired the first two batters in the inning, David Lyon walked. Chris Garia hit a line drive off the arm of Sborz, placing runners at first and second. Right-hander Kyle Hooper (1-0) replaced Sborz on the mound, getting Isiah Kiner-Falefa to fly out to keep the game scoreless.
The Quakes received an outstanding outing from starter Chase De Jong. The 21-year-old right-hander from Long Beach, CA pitched six and two-third innings, allowing four hits, two walks and a hit batter while striking out eight.
The Mavericks' best chance to score against De Jong occurred in the top of the fifth. Royce Bolinger led off the inning with a double down the third base line and advanced to third on Seth Spivey's groundout. Ronald Guzman walked to place runners at the corners. De Jong struck out Tripp Martin for the second out of the frame. Kevin Torres' soft liner was clutched by the shortstop Locastro to end the threat.
The South Division second-half champions also attempted to break the ice in the top of the seventh. Joe Jackson bunted for a leadoff single against De Jong, but was erased on a double-play grounder by Royce Bolinger. Spivey singled to right and Guzman walked, forcing De Jong from the contest. Left-hander Michael Johnson induced a fly out by Martin to left field, ending the inning.
Meanwhile, Mavericks' starter David Ledbetter was matching zeroes with De Jong. The right-hander tossed six scoreless innings, surrendering three hits and two walks while striking out four. He has now tossed 18 and two-third consecutive scoreless innings over his last four appearances.
The Quakes had an opportunity end Ledbetter's streak in the bottom of the third. Spencer Navin and Ahart reached on back-to-back singles with two outs, but Locastro, who went 3-for-5, grounded out to conclude the inning.
Including the end of the regular season, Rancho Cucamonga has won five straight games and eight of their last nine contests. They won 12 of the previous 22 matchups against High Desert in 2015.
The Quakes will face off against the Mavericks in Game 2 of the South Division Finals on Sunday evening. Rancho Cucamonga will send right-hander Scott Barlow (8-3, 2.52 ERA) to the mound, while High Desert counters with right-hander Dallas Gallant (2-1, 5.72 ERA). First pitch at LoanMart Field is scheduled for 5:05 pm. If you can't make it to the game, you can follow all the action on FOX Sports 1350 AM, beginning with the LoanMart Pregame Show at 4:50.
Sunday's tussle with the Mavericks will be a "Dodgers' Fun In The Sunday!" Former Dodger Jay Johnstone will be on-hand to meet with fans and Dodgers-related prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. Tickets for all Quakes' postseason home games are available at rcquakes.com, at the LoanMart Field box office and by calling (909) 481-5000.
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California League Stories from September 13, 2015
- Bellinger Lifts Quakes to 1-0 Lead over Mavs - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Rawhide Hang on for 6-5 Win in Game 1 - Visalia Rawhide
- Giants Drop Game 1 of Division Series, 6-5 - San Jose Giants
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