Rancho Cucamonga, CA- The Quakes loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the ninth inning, but could not score in a 2-1 loss to Lake Elsinore on Thursday night. Even though the Quakes dropped this game, Rancho still took the series two-games-to-one.Dean Kremer started the game well
Rancho Cucamonga, CA- The Quakes loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the ninth inning, but could not score in a 2-1 loss to Lake Elsinore on Thursday night. Even though the Quakes dropped this game, Rancho still took the series two-games-to-one.
Dean Kremer started the game well for the Quakes and pitched deeper than he ever had in his career, but left with a no-decision. He threw four and a third innings, surrendering just one run on one hit while striking out a career-high seven and walking two, but he did not get offensive support.
The Quakes struck first in the second when Omar Estevez stung a sacrifice fly to left field to score Luke Raley, but the lead did not last.
In the fifth inning, the Storm tied the game when Austin Allen scored on a wild pitch and they took the lead on a sacrifice fly to center by Peter Van Gansen in the eighth inning.
The Quakes threatened in the bottom of the eighth, but had the game-tying run, Zach McKinstry, thrown out at home plate and in the ninth, they spoiled a golden opportunity. With the bases-loaded and no one out, Raley grounded into a fielder's choice that pegged Will Smith out at the plate. Estevez then struck out and Ibandel Isabel struck out on a check-swing to end the game.
Eric Lauer (1-2) was brilliant in his first win of the season for the Storm (20-21), as he threw seven innings, only allowing one run and striking out nine. Colby Blueberg earned his fourth save of the season Lake Elsinore. Parker Curry (1-1) was charged with the loss for the Quakes (23-18).
In the third inning, outfielders Raley and Logan Landon both dove for the fly ball in shallow left-center field and collided. Landon left the game with what appeared to be a left-shoulder injury.
The Quakes will start a new series on Friday, May 19th, against the Visalia Rawhide at 7:05 PM. Dodger rehabber and right-hander Kenta Maeda is expected to get the start for the Quakes while the Rawhide will counter with righty Ryan Atkinson (2-0).
Friday's game is Family RV $1 Family Feast Night at LoanMart Field, featuring $1 hot dogs, $1 Pepsi products and $1 ice cream sandwiches throughout the night! Tickets are available at 909-481-5000 or rcquakes.com. Go Quakes!
