Quakes Overcome 6-Run Deficit in Wednesday's Win over Blaze
Published on May 4, 2016 under California League (CalL1)
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes News Release
Rancho Cucamonga, CA - The Quakes rallied from a six-run deficit on Wednesday afternoon, adding another chapter to their recent list of come-backs with a 12-10 victory over the Bakersfield Blaze in front of more than 4,100 fans at LoanMart Field.
Joey Curletta had three hits, including a go-ahead three-run double, while Michael Ahmed went 4-for-4 to pace a Rancho offensive attack that put 19 hits on the board.
Quakes' starter Grant Holmes struggled a bit and had some tough luck, as the Blaze scored one in the first and five in the second to jump out to a 6-0 lead.
With two late-inning come-backs on the home stand already, Rancho started their latest bid in the third, as Kyle Garlick and Yusniel Diaz had back-to-back run-scoring hits, making it 6-2. Tim Locastro's two-run single capped a three-run fourth against Blaze starter Anthony Misiewicz, pulling the Quakes to within a run at 6-5.
Bakersfield regained some momentum in the sixth, tallying a pair of runs against Bubby Rossman, taking an 8-5 advantage.
Ahmed's third hit of the day, an RBI single in the last of the sixth, scored Curletta to make it a two-run game at 8-6.
Rancho exploded in the seventh against Blaze reliever Osmer Morales (0-1), putting up six runs to take the lead for good. Julian Leon doubled home Garlick to make it a one-run game at 8-7. After a walk to Johan Mieses loaded the bases, Curletta ripped a double down the left-field line to clear the bases and give the Quakes a 10-8 lead. Two batters later, Ahmed popped his third homer of the year, a two-run shot to cap the Rancho scoring at 12-8.
The Blaze wouldn't go away, as they took advantage of an error and a total of four walks by the Rancho bullpen over the last few innings, scoring two in the eighth off eventual winner Luis De Paula (2-1) to make it 12-10. Karch Kowalczyk, who ended up walking two batters with the bases loaded, got out of the eighth and used a double-play ball to wrap the game up in the ninth, securing his second save of the year.
After three straight wins overall, the Quakes (19-8) will look for the four-game sweep on Thursday night in the home stand finale. Yaisel Sierra (0-0) will take on Blaze right-hander Tyler Herb (2-0) at 7:05pm. Thursday is another Thirsty Thursday, as fans can enjoy $2 Pepsi products, $3 domestic 16-oz drafts and $4 premium 16-oz drafts, wine, champagne and margaritas, thanks to Slater's 50/50. Tickets are available at (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com.
California League Stories from May 4, 2016
- Quakes Overcome 6-Run Deficit in Wednesday's Win over Blaze - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- San Jose Giants Homestand Preview: May 6 - May 8 - San Jose Giants
- Blaze Suffer Eighth Blown Save, Lose 7-6 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Quakes Stun Blaze with 9th-Inning Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Gonzalez Homers Late to Help 'Hawks Even Series - Lancaster JetHawks
- Castellani Twirls First Shutout of the Year - Modesto Nuts
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