Sneed Stars in 66ers Victory
San Bernardino, CA- -Kramer Sneed pitched his way to a second consecutive quality outing and a second consecutive win Sunday afternoon, guiding the Inland Empire 66ers (25-17) to a 3-1 win over the visiting San Jose Giants (28-15). The win coupled with a Lancaster JetHawks loss stretches the 66ers lead in the California League Southern division 1st half race to 1 ½ games.
Kramer Sneed was spectacular from start to finish in his six inning performance. The left-hander scattered five hits and two walks through his six innings without allowing a run, and striking out seven Giants along the way. Offensively the 66ers were actually outhit by San Jose, but the 66ers hits were far better timed. In the 3rd inning Matt Scioscia hit a triple to right field to drive in a run, and he would later score on a sacrifice fly. Then in the 4th Brian Hernandez doubled off the right field wall to score Zach Borenstein to make it 3-0 Inland Empire.
All three Inland Empire relievers had starring moments Sunday afternoon. First rehabbing Angels right hander Kevin Jepsen got three ground balls out of three batters faced for a clean seventh inning. Jepsen needed only nine pitches (seven were strikes) to get through the frame. In the 8th Eric Cendejas allowed a run, but struck out Giants home run threat Angel Villalona to end the inning while the slugger stood at the plate as the tying run. Finally Mike Morin shut things down by striking out the side in the 9th inning to earn the save and secure the 66ers 25th victory of the season.
The battle of division leaders continues Monday at San Manuel Stadium when the Inland Empire 66ers host the San Jose Giants for game two of their three game series. It will also be a Man's Best Friend Monday, where fans are invited to bring their four-legged friends to the ballpark. For information on 66ers tickets or to schedule your next fun filled group outing, contact the 66ers front office at (909)888-9922.