San Bernardino, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino downed the San Jose Giants 5-4 in front of 4,819 fans at San Manuel Stadium on Thursday to split a four-game set and get back to .500 on the year at 14-14. The 66ers used a three-run sixth inning that
San Bernardino, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino downed the San Jose Giants 5-4 in front of 4,819 fans at San Manuel Stadium on Thursday to split a four-game set and get back to .500 on the year at 14-14. The 66ers used a three-run sixth inning that featured a two-run homer from Zane Gurwitz and strong pitching from Isaac Mattson (W, 2-0) out of the pen en route to their sixth win in ten games decided by one-run.
Inland Empire tied the game 3-3 against Giants (10-18) reliever JJ Santa Cruz (0-1) on Gurwitz' two-run shot to left in the sixth, his first dinger of the year. Inland Empire took a 4-3 lead later in the frame on Torii Hunter Jr.'s RBI ground out. Inland Empire added an insurance run in the seventh on Alvaro Rubalcaba's sac fly to center making it 5-4. After Jake Lee allowed three runs (two earned) through five innings with nine Ks in a no-decision for the Sixers, Mattson roared out of the pen with three perfect frames. The righty ran into a jam in the ninth however as Gio Brusa tagged a homer, his third of the year making it 5-4. After a brilliant defensive play by IE first baseman Jordan Zimmerman secured the second out, Mattson allowed his first walk; he bounced back however, and fanned Logan Baldwin to secure the contest. Mattson struck out six batters in four frames.
The 66ers open a series Friday in Visalia at 7:00 pm. The contest can be heard live at 66ers.com.
