All-Around Effort Propels Rancho On Friday

Rancho Cucamonga, CA - On Friday night, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes grabbed a victory in convincing fashion, shutting out the Stockton Ports by a final score of 7-0.
In an all-around effort, the Quakes' (62-42, 21-15) pitching, offense and defense shined, helping top the Ports (50-54, 17-19) in the series opener. 
Michael Grove kickstarted the stout pitching with three scoreless frames, while Dylan Floro (Rehab Assignment), Guillermo Zuniga, Max Gamboa and Melvin Jimenez preserved Rancho's seventh shutout of the season. All together, the pitching staff recorded a total of 14 punchouts.
Jeren Kendall single-handedly woke up the Quakes' recent offensive slumber by smashing a three-run home run in a four-run bottom of the seventh. Kendall finished 2-for-4 with 4 RBI and a run scored.
Defensively, Donovan Casey's arm was on full display, as he notched two outfield assists on the night. Casey hosed Jameson Hannah at the plate to end the top of the first, and capped off the top of the fourth by nabbing Trace Loehr at home, trying to score on a would-be sacrifice fly.
Gamboa (1-0) grabbed the victory via the official scorer's discretion, allowing just one hit across three innings, with three strikeouts.
Xavier Altamirano (5-7) took the loss despite a strong outing of 5.2 innings with just one run and nine strikeouts.
As Rancho seeks back-to-back victories, they will send RHP Gerardo Carrillo (2-5) to the mound. As Stockton hopes for a bounce-back win, they will call upon RHP Bryce Conley (3-0).
On Saturday, the Smile Generation presents yet another Fireworks Night at LoanMart Field, as the Quakes battle the Ports for game two of the series! Purchase tickets online at rcquakes.com or by calling (909) 481-5000… Go Quakes!