Offense Struggles in 3-1 Loss to San Jose

Rancho Cucamonga, CA - The offensive woes continued for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in a 3-1 loss to the San Jose Giants on Sunday afternoon at LoanMart Field. The Quakes were held hitless over the final four innings and only mustered a run in their third loss of the season.

Chad Billingsley (0-1, 6.75 ERA) started the game for Rancho Cucamonga (1-3) in a rehab appearance. It was his first time pitching in a professional game since April 15, 2013 against the San Diego Padres before undergoing Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for almost a year.

The Quakes took the lead in the bottom of the first inning. After Billingsley retired the side to start the game, Rancho got a pair of runners in scoring position thanks to a hit by pitch, a single and an error. Clean-up hitter Steven Proscia's groundout to shortstop Blake Miller was enough to score Jeremy Rathjen from third for the first run of the game.

The lead did not last long. In the top of the second inning, Billingsley was taken out of the game after giving up a walk and a base hit. Rob Rogers' first relief appearance of 2014 started with an Elliot Blair single to load the bases. Blake Miller followed with a ground ball to third that looked like a possible double play, but it went under the glove of Steven Proscia to score Brian Ragira. Chris Lofton, the next hitter, grounded into an RBI fielder's choice to score Ben Turner and give the Giants a decisive 2-1 lead.

Rancho Cucamonga had an opportunity to answer in the home half of the second. They loaded the bases for the first time in 2014 against San Jose starter Pat Young (1-0, 0.00 ERA) With two outs, Jeremy Rathjen flied out to right field to end the threat. The Quakes left five runners in scoring position on Sunday.

The Giants added another run in the fourth inning on an RBI single from Blake Miller, and the 3-1 lead would hold up.

Jeremy Rathjen's one-out double in the fifth inning was the last hit the Quakes would record. The San Jose bullpen combined to hold the Quakes hitless over the final four frames. Tyler Mizenko retired the side in order in the ninth inning to record his second save of the series.

The Quakes begin their second series of the season against the defending champion Inland Empire 66ers on Monday. For the second time in three games, Brian Wilson is scheduled to start in a rehab appearance for the Quakes. All Dodger rehabbers in 2014 are brought to you by San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino.

Monday is also our first Social Media Monday powered by Solar Universe. Fans can win great prizes and special behind-the-scenes experiences at LoanMart Field by following the Quakes on Twitter, Instagram, and liking the team on Facebook. First pitch is at 7:05 pm. Tickets are still available by calling (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field very soon. Go Quakes!