CalL1 Inland Empire 66ers

1st Half Title Hopes Alive After 4-3 Victory

Published on June 15, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


Adelanto, CA-There is still a chance for the Inland Empire 66ers (36-32) to win a share of the 1st half championship in the California League Southern Division after a 4-3 victory over the High Desert Mavericks (33-35) Friday night in Adelanto. That is the best they can do however due to Lancaster's win in Lake Elsinore, earning the JetHawks at least a share of the title.

The 66ers trailed the Mavericks early after a solo home run by California League All Star Jabari Blash, and the Mavericks had several opportunities for big innings to bust the game open. But reigning California League Pitcher of the Week Kramer Sneed kept things from getting out of hand, allowing just three runs in five frames and depriving the Mavs from taking more than a two run lead at any point he was on the mound.

Offensively Friday night was all about the long ball for Inland Empire, but their offense did not secure a hit until the 4th and failed to score until the 5th when Abel Baker drilled a solo home run. The team still trailed by two entering the 6th, but that's when things turned in the 66ers favor in just three pitches. With a runner on 1st Alex Yarbrough swung and drove a pitch just over the right field wall for a game tying two run homer. Then, two pitches later, Zach Borenstein smashed a home run to straight away centerfield for his team leading 16th home run of the season and a 4-3 advantage.

That was when the 66ers bullpen took the game over. Eric Cendejas threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings, and Carmine Giardina got the better of a lefty versus lefty matchup with the only batter he faced setting the 66ers up for the 9th . Despite numerous run scoring opportunities, the game still stood at 4-3 when Michael Morin came in for the save. An error put the tying run on the bases, but an exceptional double play started with a fine stop behind second by Eric Stamets, turned by Alex Yarbrough, and secured with a great stretch from Michael Snyder sealed the 66ers victory.

The good news now for Inland Empire is that they still have a chance to tie for the first half crown, but the bad news is Lancaster had an equally thrilling contest Friday in Lake Elsinore that they came from behind to win in the 9th . That puts the 66ers tragic number at one, and means a single loss for Inland Empire or win by Lancaster the next two days eliminates Inland Empire from any part of a first half championship. Game three of the series with High Desert is Saturday starting at 6:05. For more information on 66ers tickets or to schedule your next fun filled group outing, contact the 66ers front office at (909)888-9922.

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California League Stories from June 15, 2013


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