Quakes Move to Within One Win of Pennant
Published on June 15, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes News Release
Adelanto, CA - The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes took advantage of two late errors by the High Desert Mavericks, rallying for a 5-3 victory on Thursday night at Mavericks Stadium in Adelanto.
With their 10th win in their last 11 games, the Quakes, combined with Lake Elsinore's 4-2 loss to Bakersfield on Thursday, are now just one win away from wrapping up the First Half South Division Pennant.
Angel Sanchez grinded out seven tough innings, while the Quakes' bullpen was sharp again, with Steve Smith Eric Eadington combining to work the final two innings to preserve the Quakes' second straight win overall.
Trailing 3-2 in the eighth, the Quakes got helped out by the first of two Mavs' errors on the night. After Chris Jacobs doubled to open the eighth, Scott Wingo attempted to move him to third with a bunt. Mavs' starter Anthony Fernandez (2-5) fielded the bunt in front of the mound and threw to third in time to tag Jacobs, but Mario Martinez couldn't handle the throw, as it bounced off his glove and fell to the ground. With runners at first and third and no outs, pinch hitter Alexis Aguilar grounded into a double-play, plating Jacobs to even the game at 3-3.
Leon Landry followed with a triple, leading the Mavs to remove Fernandez. Tyler Burgoon came out of the pen, but surrendered an RBI single to Joc Pederson, as the Quakes took the lead for good at 4-3.
The Quakes put another run on the board in the ninth, taking a 5-3 lead. With runners at first and second and one out, Wingo grounded a ball to first baseman Steven Proscia, whose throw to second base sailed into left field, allowing Chris O'Brien to score an important insurance run.
Eadington retired the side in order in the ninth, securing his ninth save in ten chances since joining the Quakes.
Sanchez was staked to a 1-0 lead in the second, as Jacobs' two-out single plated Jonathan Garcia.
The Mavs got to Sanchez for their only runs of the night in the fourth, as Sanchez gave up an RBI single to Dennis Rabin, tying the game at 1-1. Sanchez's next pitch left the yard, as Proscia took him deep to left field for his seventh home run of the year, putting High Desert in front at 3-1.
Chris O'Brien helped to rally the Quakes in the fifth, as he cracked a solo shot off of Fernandez. O'Brien's second long-ball of the year made it a one-run game at 3-2.
Sanchez (6-3) earned his second win over High Desert in the last six days, allowing three runs on just six hits over seven innings.
With just one more win over their next two games, the Quakes will win the South Division First Half pennant, regardless of what else happens in the South Division.
On Friday night, the Quakes (37-31) will go with Andres Santiago (3-1), as he'll take on High Desert's Angel Raga (2-2), with game time scheduled for 7:05pm from 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 15, 2012
- Banner Island Ballpark to Host 2013 WCC Baseball Championship - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Move to Within One Win of Pennant - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Giants Edge Modesto in Series Opener, 6-5 - San Jose Giants
- Bakersfield Wins First Half Title, Beats Elsinore 4-2 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Lancaster Launches Five Homers in Win - Lancaster JetHawks
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