CalL1 Inland Empire 66ers

Sixers Throw Away Lead, Series Sweep

Published on June 30, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - After Trayvon Robinson's go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning, the 66ers seemed to have a series sweep in the bag for the first time this season. The excitement quickly faded after a three-run ninth inning rally by the Quakes that gave Rancho Cucamonga a 5-4 victory Tuesday afternoon.

The action got started early Tuesday morning, when a hard slide into second base knocked Adolfo Gonzalez out of the game and caused a stir in the 66ers' dugout. Starting pitcher Mario Alvarez responded by hitting the Quakes' Efren Navarro with the very next pitch. After an exchange of words between Alvarez and Navarro, both benches quickly spilled onto the field and tempers continued to flare.

Both teams eventually returned to their respective dugouts without any physical confrontation, but both dugouts were issued warnings by home plate umpire Tom Honec.

After the dust settled in the first inning, the Quakes found themselves with a 1-0 lead. The Quakes lead was short-lived, as Pedro Baez singled up the middle with the bases loaded to put the 66ers back on top 2-1.

The seesaw battle continued between the two teams, with the Quakes tying the game 2-2 in the seventh inning, but the 66ers answered in the eighth. Christian Lara singled to lead off the inning for Inland Empire, while Robinson blasted a two-run home run into the netting in front of the scoreboard in right field.

With a 4-2 lead going into the ninth inning, the 66ers were poised to complete their first series sweep of the year, and first four-game winning streak since last August. The Quakes had other thoughts, as P.J. Phillips hit a leadoff homer and then Julio Perez scored the game-winning run on a throwing error by catcher Alex Garabedian to get the 5-4 win.

Despite the tough loss to the Quakes on Tuesday, the 66ers drew a crowd of 5,625 fans to bring the three-game homestand total to 18,926. Fans attending the series got to see two major leaguers (Manny Ramirez and Eric Stults), a walk-off victory and a fantastic atmosphere for Minor League Baseball.

The 66ers look to continue the streak of great home crowds on Saturday, July 4, when the 66ers celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks show after a 7:05 p.m. game against the Lancaster JetHawks. Tickets for this game and the rest of the three-game series are still available, but are going fast, so pick yours up today by visiting www.66ers.com or stopping by the 66ers' box office at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino.

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California League Stories from June 30, 2009


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