San Bernardino, CA- The Quakes took a four-game lead over Inland Empire in the South Division on Friday night with a 4-2 win over the 66ers.Even though Adam Bray was not as brilliant as he was his last time out (a complete-game shutout against San Jose on July 23rd), he
San Bernardino, CA- The Quakes took a four-game lead over Inland Empire in the South Division on Friday night with a 4-2 win over the 66ers.
Even though Adam Bray was not as brilliant as he was his last time out (a complete-game shutout against San Jose on July 23rd), he worked in and out of trouble in the win. Bray (6-2) allowed just one run on four hits over five innings while striking out six and walking two.
Bray's battery mate, Keibert Ruiz, provided the offense in the early going. In the first inning, Ruiz blasted his fourth home run of the season, a solo shot, to right field. All of his home runs have come from the left side of the plate for the switch-hitter.
In the third inning, Drew Jackson, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Friday, doubled to lead off the frame and reached third on an error in left field. The next pitch, Ruiz lifted a fly-ball to center for a sacrifice fly that scored Jackson and made it 2-0.
The 66ers found the scoreboard in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI single from Jahmai Jones to make it 2-1 and that score would hold into the seventh inning.
Ibandel Isabel began the seventh by destroying a ball out of the park to left-center field. It was his 21st home run of the season to re-capture the California League-lead in home runs one night after his teammate, DJ Peters, tied him with 20.
Later in the inning, Peters came through with an RBI single that scored Ariel Sandoval and it was 4-1.
In the bottom of the seventh, the 66ers scored a run on a wild play. With Jordan Serena on at first and one out, Jones grounded a ball to short. Omar Estevez booted the ball and it went out into shallow centerfield, but center fielder Yusniel Díaz spiked his throw into the ground after backing the play up and that allowed Serena to score to make it 4-2. Both Estevez and Diaz were charged with errors.
Tony Gonsolin entered in the ninth inning and earned his third save of the season by tossing a scoreless frame.
Jose Rodriguez (7-10) was handed the loss for the 66ers. He allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings while striking out seven and walking two.
Along with Jackson's birthday, Quakes' third baseman Brendon Davis celebrated his 20th birthday on Friday.
Rancho Cucamonga (23-12, 59-46) looks to win its fifth-straight game against Inland Empire (19-16, 49-56) in game three on Saturday, July 29th, at 6:05 PM. Rancho is expected to turn to left-hander Michael Boyle (4-2), while the 66ers will send righty Luis Pena (4-10) to the mound.
The Quakes will be back home on Monday, July 31st for game one of three with the Modesto Nuts. Monday's game will be Social Media Monday! Follow the Quakes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat for a chance to win fun prizes! Tickets are available for Monday's game and all Quakes' home games at 909-481-5000 or rcquakes.com. Go Quakes!
