Lake Elsinore, CA- The Quakes suffered a walk-off loss for the second straight night as Rancho Cucamonga dropped the first game of the series in Lake Elsinore with a 2-1 defeat. Taylor Kohlway knocked in Javier Guerra with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning to win the game for
Lake Elsinore, CA- The Quakes suffered a walk-off loss for the second straight night as Rancho Cucamonga dropped the first game of the series in Lake Elsinore with a 2-1 defeat. Taylor Kohlway knocked in Javier Guerra with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning to win the game for the Storm.
The beginning of the game started well, as Walker Buehler pitched into the fourth before reaching his maximum pitch count of 65 pitches. He threw three and two-thirds innings, giving up just one run on three hits while tying a season-high with eight strikeouts and just two walks.
The Storm jumped on Buehler in the second inning with an RBI single by Carlos Belen.
It did not take long for the Quakes to counter with a run of their own as they scored in the top of the third on an RBI ground out by Zach McKinstry that scored Luke Raley.
Lake Elsinore's closer, Colby Blueberg (3-1), was strong in the ninth inning, stranding DJ Peters after walking him with two outs. Peters has now reached in 23 consecutive games, tied for the longest such streak in Minor League Baseball.
In the bottom of the ninth, Carlos Felix (0-1) gave up a one-out double to Guerra and after a double-error by shortstop Drew Jackson, Guerra moved to third with one out. With the bases-loaded following an intentional walk and just one out, Kohlway flied a ball to right field and the throw from Yusniel Díaz was not nearly in time to get Guerra.
Dodgers' rehabbing outfielder Joc Pederson went 0-for-2 at the plate with a walk in three trips in his first of what is expected to be multiple rehab starts for the Quakes. Josh Ravin, also down on a rehab assignment, worked a scoreless sixth for Rancho Cucamonga in what is also expected to be his first of multiple appearances.
Storm starter Joey Lucchesi was brilliant in his seven innings of work (the longest start against the Quakes this season). He gave up just one run on three hits while striking out nine and walking one.
The Quakes will be in action at in Lake Elsinore on Tuesday, May 2nd, against the Storm for game two of the series at 6:00 PM. Righty Yadier Álvarez will take the hill for the Quakes (14-11) while the Storm (11-14) will counter with right-hander Cal Quantrill (3-1).
The Quakes will be back home on Thursday, May 4th for the start of a four-game set with Inland Empire at 7:05 pm. Rich Hill of the Los Angeles Dodgers is scheduled to start for the Quakes on Thursday, where it's Thirsty Thursday, as fans can enjoy drink specials throughout the night, featuring $2 Pepsi products, $3 16-oz domestic drafts, $4 16-oz premium drafts, wine, champagne and margaritas. Tickets are available by calling (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. Go Quakes!
