Mavs Stay Alive, Defeat Quakes in 11 Innings
Published on June 16, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes News Release
Adelanto CA - The Quakes fell short in their bid to wrap up the First Half South Pennant, as High Desert outlasted Rancho Cucamonga on Friday night, winning 11-9 in 11 innings at Mavericks Stadium in Adelanto.
Mickey Wiswall's two-run walk-off homer against Quakes' reliever Robert Purpura (2-1) ended the Quakes' longest game of the year at three hours and 49 minutes and kept them from clinching their second straight First Half Pennant.
Friday's game was a classic High Desert shootout, with both clubs going back and forth all night, combining for five lead-changes.
Trailing 7-6 in the ninth, the Quakes took advantage of an error by High Desert pitcher Carson Smith, who tried to pick off pinch-runner Casio Grider at first base. Smith's throw went down the right-field line, allowing Grider to move to third base and eventually score on Scott Wingo's sac fly, tying it at 7-7.
Both teams had chances in extra innings, but it wasn't until Wiswall's heroics ended the game, giving High Desert a chance to foil Rancho again on Saturday night in the first-half finale.
The Quakes clubbed a total of four homers, with Leon Landry (4), C.J. Retherford (16), Wingo (2) and Chris O'Brien (3) all going deep.
High Desert's Jonathan Arias (4-3), the seventh pitcher used by the Mavs, earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief.
With Lake Elsinore and Lancaster already eliminated from first-half contention due to the tie-breaker, the Mavs face another must-win scenario on Saturday. If the Quakes win, Rancho will claim the First Half South Pennant. If High Desert wins, the two clubs will then square off on Monday, June 25th in Adelanto, for not only their first meeting of the second half, but what will also become a winner-take-all game for the First Half South Pennant.
Garrett Gould (1-5) will start for the Quakes (37-32) on Saturday night, but is only scheduled to go one inning. He'll be relieved by JonMichael Redding (5-1), who will not be working with any pitch-count limitations. The Mavs will counter with Jimmy Gillheeney (5-2), with game time set for 7:05pm at Mavericks Stadium.
After Saturday's game in High Desert, the Quakes will take enjoy the four-day California League All-Star Break. They will return to action on Thursday, June 21st, as they host the Bakersfield Blaze in a four-game series. Tickets are available by calling 909-481-5000 online at rcquakes.com. Go Quakes!
California League Stories from June 16, 2012
- 66ers Fall 5-3 in First Half Finale - Inland Empire 66ers
- Giants Conclude First Half with 3-2 Victory - San Jose Giants
- JetHawks Erupt for 14 in 66ers Loss - Inland Empire 66ers
- Mavs Stay Alive, Defeat Quakes in 11 Innings - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- JetHawks Strike Empire with 14 Runs - Lancaster JetHawks
- Jackson Jolts Storm to Victory - Lake Elsinore Storm
- Late Storm Rally Sinks Blaze, 8-4 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Giants Suffer 6-4 Loss to Modesto - San Jose Giants
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