Tillman Puts Name in History Books

Chris Tillman tied a Mavericks' team record with 13 strikeouts and became the first pitcher in team history to record that many strikeouts at home as part of a Mavs 2-1 win against Rancho Cucamonga Wednesday night. Not only did the Mavs capture their first one-run win since Tillman pitched the Mavs past the Quakes 5-4 on August 8 in Rancho Cucamonga, but the Mavs also clinched a win in the season series against the Quakes.

Tillman (6-6) tossed six scoreless innings, giving up only two hits and two walks. He struck out the side in the second, fifth, and sixth, and struck out six straight batters on two different occasions. Each player in the Quakes' starting lineup struck out at least once against Tillman.

The 19-year-old joined Brad Penny, who accomplished the feat twice in 1998, and Dickie Brown as the only players in Maverick history with 13 strikeouts in a single game. He was pulled after six innings since he had thrown 103 pitches, preventing him from setting a new record.

The Mavs took a 1-0 lead in the second against Steve Marek (8-10) on an RBI groundout by Matt Mangini. Jesus Guzman extended the lead to 2-0 in the fourth with a solo home run, his team-leading 23rd of the season.

Marek was the tough luck loser, pitching a complete game in the loss. He surrendered only four hits, striking out seven and walking one.

The Mavs bullpen was able to follow Tillman's lead to close out the game. Aaron Cotter and Roman Martinez each pitched a scoreless inning in the seventh and eighth, respectively. Aaron Jensen came on the in the ninth to record his fourth save in seven chances.

The Quakes were able to avoid being shutout by scratching across a run in the ninth. Josh LeBlanc led off with a double and moved over the to third on a wild pitch. He came home to score on an RBI groundout by Larry Infante. With two outs, Jensen got Jordan Renz to ground out to shorstop Carlos Triunfel to end the game.

Since Inland Empire was able to hold on to a 2-1 win over Stockton, the Quakes were officially eliminated from the playoffs. Lake Elsinore also clinched their playoff spot with a 7-1 win over Visalia earlier in the evening.

The Mavs and Quakes will play the rubber match of the series on the final Mr. V's and KFROG Thirsty Thursday of the season in Adelanto. Juan Zapata of the Mavs will duel against Quakes righthander Tim Schoeninger. Game time is at 7:05 p.m., with live coverage beginning at 6:55 p.m. on the High Desert's TALK 960 and www.talk960.com.