Stockton, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino opened a quick three-game trip to Stockton by collecting their fifth shutout of the season with a 3-0 win over the Ports. The Sixers scored an early run and then gave themselves some leg room in the tip of the ninth
Stockton, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino opened a quick three-game trip to Stockton by collecting their fifth shutout of the season with a 3-0 win over the Ports. The Sixers scored an early run and then gave themselves some leg room in the tip of the ninth on Jordan Zimmerman's two-run homer to left. Righties Joe Gatto, Marc Brakeman and Daniel Procopio combined to hold Stockton (17-12) to just five hits and three walks while striking out 15 batters.
The 66ers (13-16) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third when DJ Jenkins tripled to right off Stockton starter Jake Bray (1-1) with two outs. Luis Rengifo then reached on a throwing error by Ports SS Jesus Lage allowing the runner to score for an unearned run against Bray, the tough-luck loser. Gatto (3-1) tossed the first five innings allowing just two hits, three walks and fanning eight including striking out the side in the second and the fourth in order. Brakeman allowed a two-out triple to Skye Bolt in the sixth but struck out Edwin Diaz to end the threat and then tossed a clean seventh. Daniel Procopio gave up a two out single in the eighth but struck out the side to douse the rally and closed out the ninth for his first Cal League save. The team's combined to go 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position (IE was 0-for-6). Inland Empire is now 7-2 in series openers.
The series at Stockton continues Saturday at 7:10 pm. The contest can be heard live at 66ers.com.
