Hernandez Stars in 9-7 Win
Rancho Cucamonga, CA- - Brian Hernandez drove in four runs on offense and stole two more away from the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (17-16) with great defensive plays, helping the Inland Empire 66ers (18-14) to a 9-7 victory. Displaying a total team effort, every 66ers starter either scored or drove in a run in the win.
Despite playing in the bright light of day, things were looking dark for the 66ers early on at Rancho Cucamonga after the Quakes scored four runs in the 2nd inning to jump in front. But the 66ers quickly answered thanks to a lack of accuracy from the opposing pitchers. Inland Empire drew five walks in the 3rd inning alone, four of those crossing the plate, and eight total were issued in the game by the Quakes. After the 5th the 66ers had made up the deficit and then some, taking a 6-4 lead.
Brian Hernandez main impact came later in the game. In the 5th inning with runners on the corners and one out a ball was hit to Hernandez that he quickly threw home to gun down a would be run at the plate. The next inning the 66ers clean-up hitter drove a ball deep over the left field wall for a three run homer, and in the 7th he again threw out an opposing base runner trying to score. Those two assists to the plate proved especially important for the 66ers bullpen which contained the Quakes to seven runs, but had the two Hernandez erased scored the game could have been tied at the end of nine innings.
Thanks to Hernandez effort and that of the 66ers the team can secure another series win over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and make it a 5-1 road trip if they win Thursday at Loan Mart Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM and the game can be heard on the 66ers flagship station AM 1050 KCAA. The 66ers return home Friday, May 10th for a Toyota and Scion of Redlands 50 cent Friday and a Halo Hat giveaway presented by Frozen Ropes. For information on 66ers tickets or to schedule your next fun filled group outing, contact the 66ers front office at (909)888-9922.