66ers Open Second Half with a Loss

Ranch Cucamonga, CA- Inland Empire took an early lead but could not hold down the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Thursday night at LoanMart Field, falling 4-3. The game was the first of a four-game set and of the second half of the 2014 campaign for both clubs.

Dennis Raben got the 66ers (25-46, 0-1) on the board in the first with a titanic blast over the scoreboard in right center field. It was the Hollywood, FL native's team best ninth homer of the season and gave Inland Empire a 2-0 lead after a half inning of play.

The Sixers would not score again until the ninth as Jharel Cotton settled in to earn his second win of the year. He went seven frames for the Quakes (33-38, 1-0) allowing the two runs on six hits. He struck out nine batters and walked none. Dan Coulombe tossed a scoreless eighth for Rancho Cucamonga.

Dan Tobik took the loss for IE. He allowed three runs, two earned over 5.1 innings and fell to 1-3 in 2014. He gave up just three hits, a walk, a hit batsman and fanned four.

Chris Jacobs had two RBI for Rancho Cucamonga while All-Star Corey Seager chipped in one as well. Los Angeles Dodger Juan Uribe, appearing in a MLB rehab appearance, had the Quakes' lone multi-hit game as he doubled and singled to go 2-for-4.

Robert Rogers allowed an unearned run in the ninth for the Quakes but induced a double play off the bat of IE catcher Nick O'Loughlin to end the game and earn his first save of the year. The series continues Friday at 7:05 pm. It can be heard live at 66ers.com.