Cron Drives In Four, 66ers Win in San Jose

San Jose, CA- Inland Empire slugger C.J. Cron helped the 66ers (44-55 [13-16]) take advantage of five San Jose walks with a four RBI performance, leading the 66ers to a 9-5 win in the series opener in San Jose (50-49 [12-17]). Cron now has an eleven game hit streak, and the 66ers have now won seven of their last 10 games.
Inland Empire staged its first large offensive salvo in the third inning when C.J. Cron smashed a double to left center field to score two runs and give the 66ers their first lead of the game at 3-1. Later in the inning with two outs and two runners in scoring position Jett Bandy put a ball towards third that was misplayed and resulted in another 66ers run.
On the mound the 66ers were less than steady Friday night as they issued eight walks in the first seven innings of the game, including four in the 4th alone. But time after time the 66ers pitchers were able to wiggle their way out of jams allowing minimal runs.
In the sixth inning the 66ers were able to cement the game away with a six batter, four run two out rally. C.J. Cron was again there for the big hit as he capped the rally with a bases loaded single to score two runs and make it a five run Inland Empire advantage. Jett Bandy added an RBI double in the ninth and Daniel Tillman got the final four outs to pick up his fourth save of the season.
The 66ers will tangle with the San Jose Giants again on Saturday for game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 pm and the game can be heard on the home of 66ers baseball KCAA 1050 AM beginning with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Pre-Game show at 4:50. For information on 66ers tickets or to schedule your next fun filled group outing, contact the 66ers front office at (909)888-9922, or check out the website 66ers.com.