Modesto Slugs Way Past Rancho on Wednesday
Published on May 2, 2018 under California League (CalL1)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes News Release
Rancho Cucamonga, CA -The Quakes pitching staff was struck for 15 hits on Wednesday afternoon and was unable to recover from three consecutive multi-run innings as the Modesto Nuts stole game three of the series at LoanMart Field with an 11-4 victory.
Following a 43-minute delay of game action due to rain, the Quakes and starting pitcher Andrew Sopko kept the game close, tied at 1-1 after three innings.
Modesto responded to Hamlet Marte's game-tying solo home run in the third with a two-run fifth inning. Joe Rizzo brought home the first of his five runs with a sacrifice fly and Evan White followed with an RBI double to make it 3-1 Nuts, all while setting the stage for Modesto's big sixth inning.
Rancho reliever Imani Abdullah replaced Sopko in the sixth and recorded the first two outs of the inning on just three pitches. The following batter Gareth Morgan hit Abdullah for a solo home run and jolted his command as Abdullah would then walk a pair and hit a batter before his day came to a close.
New arm Ryan Moseley inherited the bases loaded and gave up a two-run single to Rizzo. Later in the inning, a double steal and an infield error would cost the Quakes another two runs and they trailed 8-1.
The Quakes attempted to counter in their half of the sixth, scoring three on a two-run Connor Wong triple and an RBI single off the bat of Jeren Kendall to make it 8-4. The offensive surge was brief however, as Rancho was held to just one hit over the final three innings while Modesto added another three runs in the seventh.
Sopko (1-2), who left the game after the fifth trailing 3-1, was hit with the loss allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits and striking out six. Rancho Cucamonga's starter did not issue a walk in the contest.
Ljay Newsome (1-2), making his sixth start on the season for Modesto, lasted six innings while striking out five and surrendered all four Quakes runs in his first win of the season.
On Thursday, May 3rd the Quakes will look to split the series with Modesto at two games apiece and turn to right-hander Jordan Sheffield (0-2, 7.52) in his sixth start of the year for the Quakes. Sheffield will be opposed by a fellow right-hander Reggie McClain (0-0, 3.00 ERA) in his second start of the year.
Tomorrow is a Thirsty Thursday at LoanMart Field, fans can enjoy $3 domestic drafts, $4 premium drafts, wine and margaritas and $2 Pepsi products! First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM and tickets are still available online at rcquakes.com or by calling (909)-481-500.
California League Stories from May 2, 2018
- Modesto Slugs Way Past Rancho on Wednesday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Rizzo's Five RBI Lead Rout of Quakes - Modesto Nuts
- 66ers Stop Losing Streak with 3-2 Win over Storm - Inland Empire 66ers
- Rawhide Hold off Giants to Even Series - San Jose Giants
- Ramos Goes Deep In One-Run Loss To Ports - Lancaster JetHawks
- Rancho Slips Past Modesto on Tuesday Night - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Flashy Leather Ends Nuts' Rally - Modesto Nuts
- Bullpen Paves the Way to Comeback - Visalia Rawhide
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