Puig Back in Rancho, Quakes Win in Extras

Two runs in the 12th give Quakes split against Rawhide

By Dave Polaski

May 8, 2015

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - Yasiel Puig returned to Rancho Cucamonga for the first time since 2012 and the Quakes rallied for a 5-4 victory over Visalia in 12 innings at LoanMart Field on Thursday night.

Puig, making his first rehab appearance with the Quakes, was the designated hitter and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. The 24-year-old Dodgers' star was greeted with loud cheers from the 2,543 fans in attendance, many dressed in Dodgers shirts and Puig jerseys. The Cuban native played in 14 games with the Quakes on his way to the Major Leagues, batting .327 during that time.

Rancho Cucamonga (16-12) trailed 4-3 entering the bottom of the 12th inning. Rob Garvey led off the frame with a double against Johnny Shuttlesworth (0-1). Dillon Moyer singled to left field, chasing Garvey home to tie the game. Moyer advanced to second on the play at the plate. Devan Ahart singled off the glove of second baseman Jamie Westbrook, allowing Moyer to hustle home with the winning run, touching off a wild celebration by the Quakes on the field.

With the game tied 3-3, Visalia (20-8) took the upper-hand in the top of the 12th. Chuck Taylor led off the inning with a walk against A.J. Vanegas. Breland Almadova grounded into a fielder's choice and Daniel Palka walked, forcing Vanegas' removal from the contest. Rob Rogers (1-0) entered from the bullpen for the Quakes. Almadova and Palka successfully executed a double-steal with Stewart Ijames at the plate, placing runners at second and third. Ijames hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Almadova for a 4-3 Rawhide lead.

The visitors struck first against Quakes' starter Zack Bird in the second inning. Domingo Leyba singled and George Roberts doubled him home for the game's first run. Westbrook later delivered an RBI groundout, giving Visalia a 2-0 edge.

The Quakes responded in the bottom half of the inning. Garvey had an infield single and Moyer chased him home with a double off the left-center field wall, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

Rancho Cucamonga jumped in front in the third inning. Brandon Trinkwon walked and Tyler Ogle reached on an infield single. Joey Curletta singled to score Trinkwon and tie the game. Ogle later came home on a wild pitch by Rawhide starter Blayne Weller, giving the home team a 3-2 advantage.

Visalia, owners of the best record in the California League, knotted the game against Bird in the sixth inning. Palka doubled to left field, moved to third on a fielder's choice and scored on Kevin Cron's sacrifice fly, tying the contest at 3-3 to set the stage for extra innings and the dramatic finish.

With the win, Rancho Cucamonga maintains a one-game lead over Lake Elsinore in the South Division standings and earns a split in the four-game series against the North Division-leading Rawhide.

The Quakes will hit the road to begin a three-game series at High Desert, beginning Friday night. Rancho Cucamonga will send right-hander Scott Barlow (3-1, 2.10 ERA) to the bump, while the Mavericks counter with righty Cole Wiper (1-0, 3.14 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm. You can follow all the action on FOX Sports 1350 AM, beginning with the pregame show at 6:20.

Rancho Cucamonga returns home on Tuesday, May 12 to begin a three-game series against the Bakersfield Blaze! The series opener is a Healthy RC Recycle Tuesday, where fans can bring 10 CRV-eligible bottles and/or cans to get free club admission, thanks to the City of Rancho Cucamonga and the Healthy RC program! Tickets for all remaining home games are available at (909) 481-5000 or at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you very soon at LoanMart Field…Go Quakes!