San Bernardino, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino were down to their final strike twice in the bottom of the ninth and fought back to tie the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Sunday but eventually fell 9-8 in 11 innings at San Manuel Stadium. The win gave the Quakes
San Bernardino, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino were down to their final strike twice in the bottom of the ninth and fought back to tie the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Sunday but eventually fell 9-8 in 11 innings at San Manuel Stadium. The win gave the Quakes the series three-games-to-one and opened a four-game advantage for Rancho in the second half standings.
Inland Empire (50-57, 20-17) trailed 8-6 in the bottom of the ninth and Quakes closer Tony Gonsolin got two quick outs but then walked Jack Kruger. Jared Walsh fell behind in the count but then singled Kruger to third and extended his own hit streak to 12-games. A wild pitch scored Kruger to make it 8-7 and moved Walsh to second. Michael Barash then doubled to right to score Walsh and tie the game 8-8. Gonsolin did strike out the next batter to push the game to extras. In the top of the 11thGarrett Hope singled against Sixers reliever Mike Kaelin (1-1) and was pinch run for by Darien Tubbs. With one out Drew Jackson ripped a ball to the wall in center for a 9-8 lead. It was Jackson's fourth hit of the game and his third double. Jason Richman (1-0) tossed a perfect bottom of the 11th and earned the win for the Quakes who are now 13-8 against Inland Empire this year.
The Sixers were led by Jahmai Jones who had a three-hit game and tagged his first Cal League homer. Jordan Zimmerman, Connor Justus, Matt McCann and Barash all had two-hit days. The Quakes (60-47, 24-13) got homers from Hope (2nd) and DJ Peters (21st) giving them a dozen in the four-game set.
The Sixers open a series Monday at Stockton at 7:10 pm. The contest can be heard live at 66ers.com.
