Epps thrives in third straight loss
LANCASTER, Calif. - The JetHawks fought back, scoring six runs, but left 12 runners on base and couldn't recover from an early deficit in a 10-6 loss to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Monday night at The Hangar.
The Quakes scored four runs in the first against starter Tyson Perez (1-3) to take the momentum early on. After back-to-back singles by shortstop Darnell Sweeney and centerfielder Noel Cuevas and a Ryan Mount walk, first baseman O'Koyea Dickson hit a towering double to right field to clear the bases. Scott Schebler picked up another run with an RBI-single later in the inning to put the Quakes ahead, 4-0.
In the second, Rancho Cucamonga struck again when designated hitter Angelo Songco hit a two-run double after a run-scoring wild pitch to boost the Quakes lead to 7-0.
Perez exited the game after two innings, the shortest outing for a JetHawks starter this season. He allowed seven runs on six hits. T.J. Geith relieved him and tossed two scoreless innings.
The JetHawks answered back in the fourth inning when Telvin Nash hit a two-run homer, his seventh of the season and second of the series. Andrew Aplin and Preston Tucker each picked up RBIs in the fifth to bring the JetHawks within three.
Rancho Cucamonga pulled away in the seventh inning when tandem starter David Rollins threw a wild pitch that allowed Songco to score from third base. In an attempt to get the runner at home plate, catcher Tyler Heineman threw the ball to the plate but missed his target allowing Schebler to score on the play as well.
Aplin doubled and scored on a Nash hit in the seventh before the JetHawks added their final run in a controversial eighth.
Chris Epps hit a ball to deep right-centerfield which was initially ruled a home run by field umpire Luke Engen. Quakes manager Carlos Subero emerged from the dugout to check on the call and home plate umpire Blake Felix overturned it, forcing Epps to return to third base with a triple. JetHawks manager Rodney Linares was ejected for arguing with Engen after the overturn.
Epps eventually scored on a Joe Sclafani sacrifice-fly but Lancaster couldn't muster any more offense. The Quakes had added a run another run in the eighth inning to cement their lead.
Duke von Schamann (6-1) notched his sixth consecutive victory despite allowing four runs on seven hits and issuing four walks. He lasted 5 2/3 innings before the Quakes went to their bullpen.
The JetHawks (24-20) remain a game and a half out of first place with Inland Empire's loss to San Jose and take on the Quakes (23-21) in the final game of the series on Tuesday morning at 11:00 am.
Don't miss a moment of the 2013 season as the JetHawks look to repeat as California League Champions. Season tickets and great ticket packages are available now. To order, call (661) 726-5400 or visit jethawks.com.