CalL1 Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

Calhoun Homers Twice in Loss to Lancaster

August 25, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes News Release


RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - Despite holding the lead on three separate occasions, Rancho Cucamonga suffered a 10-5 setback against Lancaster in the series opener at The Hangar on Monday night.

The JetHawks (30-27, 67-60) grabbed their first advantage in the sixth inning against Quakes' reliever A.J. Vanegas (3-1). With his club trailing 5-4, Derek Fisher led off the frame with a single to right field. J.D. Davis grounded into a fielder's choice, erasing Fisher from the base paths. Ronnie Mitchell singled to right field. Jamie Ritchie walked to load the bases. Mott Hyde delivered the base-hit to left field, scoring Davis and Mitchell to give the home team a 6-5 edge.

Lancaster took advantage of some defensive miscues and blew the game open in the seventh against right-hander Karch Kowalczyk. Alex Bregman reached on an error by second baseman Willie Calhoun. Fisher grounded into a fielder's choice as Bregman was forced out at second. A pickoff attempt by Kowalczyk resulted in a wild throw, pushing Fisher to second. Davis walked. Mitchell tripled into the field field corner, chasing Fisher and Davis home. Chase McDonald doubled to right, plating Mitchell. Ritchie singled to right field, scoring McDonald for a 10-5 cushion.

The Quakes (29-28, 70-57) took the early lead against JetHawks' starter Austin Chrismon. Kyle Garlick walked and advanced to second on an Alex Verdugo groundout. Jacob Scavuzzo doubled down the left field line as Garlick trotted home with the game's first run. Paul Hoenecke slapped a single to left field, scoring Scavuzzo for a 2-0 margin.

Lancaster got a run back in the bottom of the first against starter Chase De Jong. Alex Bregman slugged his second home run of the season, a solo shot to left-center field to trim the deficit to 2-1.

Rancho Cucamonga answered in the top of the second against Chrismon. Willie Calhoun blasted a solo homer to right field for his first at the High-A level, providing his club with a 3-1 advantage.

The JetHawks rallied back against a wild De Jong in the bottom of the second. McDonald doubled to lead off the inning. Ritchie and Hyde walked, loading the bases. Edwin Medina drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing in McDonald. James Ramsay delivered a sacrifice fly to center field, chasing Ritchie home to knot the contest at 3-3.

De Jong couldn't seem to find his command on the mound. The Quakes' right-hander lasted only two innings, giving up three runs, two hits and five walks while striking out two in the no-decision.

The Quakes grabbed the upper-hand again in the top of the third. Devan Ahart tripled against Chrismon and came home on Verdugo's single to center field, restoring the lead at 4-3.

Lancaster pushed back in the bottom of the third against reliever Michael Johnson. Mitchell opened the inning with a single. McDonald doubled to left-center, setting up runners at second and third. Hyde struck out, but Mitchell raced home on a wild pitch to tie the game again at 4-4.

Rancho Cucamonga used the long ball again in the top of the fourth. Calhoun homered for the second time in the game against Chrismon, a line drive that just cleared the right field fence for a 5-4 edge.

Lancaster reliever Michael Freeman (1-0) quieted the Quakes' bats while earning his first win at the High-A level. The left-hander surrendered just two walks while striking out four in three innings.

The Quakes' pitching staff struggled as a whole, issuing 11 walks among their first four pitchers. Only Nate Samson, the starting shortstop who tossed a scoreless eighth inning, avoided walking a batter.

With the loss, Rancho Cucamonga falls into third place in the South Division's second-half standings with Lancaster taking over the second spot.

The Quakes and JetHawks will continue the series from The Hangar on Tuesday night. Rancho Cucamonga will send right-hander Matt Shelton (1-1, 8.31 ERA) to the mound, while Lancaster counters with right-hander Akeem Bostick (4-4, 6.99 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 pm. You can follow all the action on FOX Sports 1350 AM, beginning with the LoanMart Pregame Show at 6:15.

The Quakes will return to LoanMart Field on Friday, August 28th, to open a three-game series against San Jose. The series opener against the Giants will be a Family RV $1 Family Feast Night! Enjoy $1 hot dogs, 12-ounce Pepsi products and ice cream sandwiches, all thanks to Family RV! It's also Back to School Night, as we celebrate the new school year.

Tickets for all remaining Quakes' home games are available at rcquakes.com or by calling (909) 481-5000.

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California League Stories from August 25, 2015


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