Ahmed's Home Runs Lead Rancho Past Mavs

Adelanto, CA -- The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes put an end to the ten-game losing streak against High Desert, beating the Mavs, 10-9, on Sunday night at Heritage Field.
 
Mike Ahmed finished 3-for-6 with three home runs, including the go-ahead blast in the tenth inning to break the 9-9 tie.
 
The seesaw game started with the Quakes scoring three runs in the first inning, behind back-to-back home runs from Yusniel Diaz and Ahmed. Diaz's homer, his second in as many days, was a two-run shot, and Ahmed's was a solo job. Rancho also scored a run in the second on a Erick Mejia RBI single.
 
After Dylan Moore hit a two-run home run in the first inning to bring the Mavs to within one run, High Desert was back at it in the second. They scored five second-inning runs, with Moore crushing his second two-run bomb of the game, his fourth homer of the series. Michael De Leon notched an RBI double, while Jose Cardona and Josh Morgan contributed with RBI singles to give the Mavericks the 7-4 advantage.
 
The back-and-fourth action continued in the third inning, when Rancho Cucamonga scored three runs to tie the game. Solo home runs from Ahmed and Ariel Sandoval brought the Quakes to within one, and Will Smith reached on an RBI infield single to tie the game.
 
Rancho led 9-7 in the sixth when the Mavs made another comeback. A sac fly by Jairo Beras in the sixth inning and an RBI single by Moore in the seventh tied the game, forcing extra-innings.
 
Corey Coping (1-0) emerged from the bullpen by stranding the potential winning run at third base in the bottom of the ninth, and pitched a scoreless tenth after Ahmed's third home run.
 
Mejia finished 4-for-6 with two doubles, and Sandoval went 3-for-5. Diaz and Johan Mieses each had two hits. Garrett Kennedy and Dian Toscano were the only two Quakes starters to not record a hit.
 
Adam Bray started the game for the Quakes, yet he lasted just two innings. He allowed seven earned runs on nine hits. Tim Shibuya made his Rancho Cucamonga debut, and pitched 5 2/3 innings out of the bullpen, allowing two earned runs on four hits.
 
Shane McCain (3-3) was charged with the loss for High Desert. He gave up the home run to Ahmed in extra-innings, and allowed just that one run in 3 1/3 innings of work. Tyler Davis started for the Mavs and allowed eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits in four innings.
 
The Quakes (22-22, 64-49) are off on Monday, and will return home on Tuesday to start a six-game home stand beginning with the Lake Elsinore Storm. Rancho's starting pitcher for the game one matchup is RHP Felipe Gonzalez (2-5, 6.17 ERA). The Storm will send LHP Jerry Keel (1-0, 3.00 ERA) to the mound. First pitch from game one at LoanMart Field is at 7:05 p.m.
 
Tuesday, August 9th will be another Healthy RC Recycle Tuesday at LoanMart Field! Fans that bring ten CRV-eligible bottles or cans will receive a FREE Club Seat Ticket to the game. Tickets are available by calling (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field very soon … Go Quakes!