Quakes fall 5-4 in 13-inning thriller

Visalia, CA - The Quakes dropped a heart-breaker in Visalia on Sunday, losing a 13-inning thriller by a final of 5-4.

A throwing error in the last of the 13th sealed the deal, giving the Rawhide two of three in the weekend series.

Tied at 4-4 in the last of the 13th and runners at first and second with no outs, Quakes’ reliever Joan Valdez fielded a would-be sacrifice bunt. Valdez looked to third initially, but Quakes third baseman Luis Diaz wasn’t in position to accept a throw. Valdez (0-1) instead forced a throw to first that skipped down the right-field line, allowing the winning run to score.

Damon Keith had a big day for the Quakes, going 3-for-6 with three extra-base hits. His go-ahead double in the 12th looked like it may prove to be the game-winner, but Visalia tied it in the last of the inning, thanks to a two-out infield single by Davison De Los Santos.

The Quakes got a good debut from Maddux Bruns, who struck out four over two scoreless innings in his first appearance for Rancho.

After a day off on Monday, the Quakes open their home schedule on Tuesday night at LoanMart Field against the 66ers. Tuesday’s Home Opener will feature post-game Fireworks, thanks to American Career College and tickets are available at rcquakes.com. Game time is 6:30pm.

We hope to see you at LoanMart Field very soon...Go Quakes!