CalL1 Inland Empire 66ers

66ers Drop Season Opener at High Desert, Houchins Homers

Published on April 8, 2016 under California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


Adelanto, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers dropped the 2016 season opener to the High Desert Mavericks 10-5 at Heritage Field on Thursday. Zach Houchins tagged a three-run homer for Inland Empire (0-1) but it was not enough as The Mavs were led by leadoff batter Travis Demeritte who had three hits including two home runs. The Mavs bullpen allowed was stout as it allowed just one run over six innings of work.

The Mavericks touched IE starter Jake Jewell (0-1) for four runs in the first and single runs in the second and third. The righty from Norman, OK settled down and tossed a scoreless fourth and fifth innings. He allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits with two strikeouts and no walks.

Houchins, an East Carolina University product, took Mavs starter Yohander Mendez deep to right field for his first California League homer with second inning three-run homer but Inland Empire could never get over the hump. The 66er finished the game 2-for-11 with runners in scoring positon. The Mavs (1-0), on the other hand, were 6-for-13 with RISP on the evening.

Demeritte drilled homers in second and seventh innings for High Desert en route to a four RBI effort. Mavericks' CF Scott Heineman was 3-for-3 at the plate, was HBP and stole two bases for HD while reliever Luis Ortiz (1-0) was credited with the win after a perfect fourth inning of relief with two Ks.

Catcher Jose Briceno and SS Roberto Baldoquin each had a pair of hits for the 66ers. Briceno notched a double and also had a walk. The Sixers defense committed three errors in the loss.

The series continues Friday at 6:35 pm in Adelanto. The game can be heard live on 66ers.com.

Check out the Inland Empire 66ers Statistics

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California League Stories from April 8, 2016


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