Late Rally Falls Short in High Desert

Adelanto, CA - Rancho rallied late, but fell short against High Desert on Monday night in a 6-4 loss. The defeat was Rancho's third in a row after four consecutive victories. 

High Desert (20-23, 54-59) jumped out to an early lead on Lindsey Caughel (8-5, 3.53) in the first inning. After a Casio Grider error allowed Travis Witherspoon to reach, Tyler Smith smacked a two-run home run to left field.

It was the first of two home runs for the Mavs against Lindsey Caughel in the contest. Up 2-1 in the third, Jabari Henry hit a three-run shot to left field that gave the Mavs a 5-1 lead. The long ball was Henry's 24th of the year.

Caughel entered Monday having allowed just one homer in 45 innings since the All-Star Break. The righty was pulled after giving up five runs on four hits and three walks in 2.2 innings.

Rancho struggled against High Desert starter Lars Huijer (1-2, 6.10). The righty gave up just a run on one hit over four innings. The lone hit was a fourth-inning double for Aaron Miller, who finished the game with a pair of doubles and a walk.

The Quakes rallied versus Nick Valenza in the sixth. Casio Grider led off with a solo home run to cut the deficit to four runs. Rob Garvey followed with a double to right-center field and Jeremy Rathjen then smoked a two-run blast to left field to make it a 6-4 game. The homer was Rathjen's 12th of the year and his eighth since the All-Star Break.

Rancho's offense came up empty after that. Andrew Kittredge struck out five in three innings of relief to earn the save. The Quakes were just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. 

Game two of the series is Wednesday night in Adelanto. Rancho sends southpaw Tom Windle (10-6, 4.47) to the mound opposite High Desert righty Brett Shankin (4-5, 4.92). First pitch from Heritage Field is at 7:05 pm and the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports AM 1350 starting with the LoanMart Pregame Report at 6:50 pm.

Rancho returns home on August 12 for a three-game set with San Jose. Tuesday, August 12 is a Healthy RC Recycle Tuesday! Bring 10 CRV-eligible bottles and cans to the ballpark and receive a free club-level ticket thanks to the City of Rancho Cucamonga and the Healthy RC Program! Wednesday, August 13 is a Terra Vista Animal Hospital Bark in the Ballpark! Bring your four-legged friend to the game for just $3, with proceeds going to the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter. Thursday, August 14, is a Thirsty Thursday! Get 24-oz. Pepsi products and 16-oz. domestic drafts for just $2 while 16-oz. premium drafts, wine, champagne and margaritas are only $3 thanks to Bernards Construction! Tickets are still available by calling (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field for the next home stand! Go Quakes!