Quakes Storm to 13-Run Victory Over Lake Elsinore

Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. – The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (23-33, 59-63) could do no wrong on Wednesday night at Morongo Field as they cruised to a 14-1 win over the Lake Elsinore Storm (22-34, 61-61).

Right away, the Quakes received some big league help to pull ahead. MLB rehabber Wade Meckler launched a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning, slugging the Quakes in front 1-0.

One frame later, Rancho Cucamonga rallied to break the game open. Angel Arredondo singled and Jeffery Heard doubled, placing two runners in scoring position for Anyelo Marquez. He scorched a ground ball to first base, resulting in an error which plated two runs. Marlon Quintero then singled, setting up runners on the corners for John Wimmer, and he came through with an RBI double to move the Quakes up by four. Jaxon Willits proceeded to launch a three-run home run, and Gavin Grahovac belted a solo shot two runs later, capping off a seven-run outburst to establish an 8-0 edge.

Rancho Cucamonga went quiet at the plate over the next two innings before roaring back to life in the bottom of the fifth. Willits laced a single to right-center field, cashing in Wimmer’s second double of the day, increasing the Quakes’ cushion to nine. They went on to reach double figures in their next turn at bat on a Heard RBI base hit, and Marquez chipped in a knock of his own to take an 11-0 advantage into the contest’s back third.

All the while, starting pitcher Trey Gregory-Alford dominated the Lake Elsinore lineup. The right-hander twirled six scoreless frames, allowing just one hit and two walks, striking out four Storm batters as well on the way to a quality start.

The Quakes kept their bats hot in the late goings, striking for another two-spot in the bottom of the seventh. Joswa Lugo delivered a sacrifice fly, bringing Willits home following his leadoff double, and Heard contributed another RBI single, boosting them up 13-0.

Lake Elsinore broke up the Rancho Cucamonga shutout bid in the top of the eighth on an Augie Lopez solo home run, but the Quakes were quick to cancel it out in their half of the frame. Wimmer produced his third two-bagger of the night, and pinch-hitter Samil Dishmey notched a double of his own to complete his trip around the bases, closing the team’s account.

With the offensive onslaught to back him up, Andres Cova emerged from the bullpen to collect the final three outs, putting the finishing touches on a dominant victory.

The Quakes can ensure a series split against the Storm in game three of their six-game set on Thursday at 6:30 PM. LHP Derek Clark toes the slab for Rancho Cucamonga opposite RHP Lan-Hong Su for Lake Elsinore.

In addition to Thirsty Thursday, presented by La Verne Brewing, where fans can enjoy $2 Bud Light 12oz cans, $2 16 oz Pepsi products, and other deals on beers and seltzers, it is also College Night at Morongo Field. For a $5 add-on, fans can receive a 16oz beer stein and a minimum of four tastings in the Biergarten from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM. Plus, fans can enjoy a house music DJ set and make “Kandi” bracelets in the Michelob Ultra Garden.