Snell with Two Scoreless in Rancho Loss

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – The Inland Empire 66ers won for the second straight night over the Quakes, as the 66ers took a 5-3 win over Rancho on Thursday night at LoanMart Field.

Despite two scoreless innings from Dodger rehabbing starter Blake Snell, Inland Empire clubbed a pair of two-run homers and got some solid pitching from their bullpen, as they dropped the Quakes in consecutive games for the first time this year.

Raudi Rodriguez (9) homered for the third straight game in the series, giving Inland a 2-0 lead in the third.

After Rancho tied the game at 2-2 in the fourth, Dario Laverde smashed a two-run shot off Jholbran Herder (3-4), putting the 66ers ahead to stay at 4-2.

Rancho got a run back in the seventh, as Eduardo Guerrero walked and scored on the second sac fly of the night for Samuel Munoz, making it 4-3.

Inland grabbed a two-run advantage again in the eighth, getting some insurance at 5-3.

Kyle Roche of the 66ers pitched two scoreless innings to finish it off, as he earned his first save of the year.

Inland Empire starter Brandon Dufault (1-3) pitched well over five innings, allowing two runs on just four hits.

Niko Perez had three more hits and scored a run to lead the Rancho offense.

Snell threw 31 pitches over two scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and struck out four batters in the rehab start, taking a no-decision.

The Quakes (7-11, 48-36) will send Logan Tabeling (4-2) to the mound on Friday night, as he’ll take on Barrett Kent of the 66ers. Friday is Allstar Kia Night, with Joe Kelly Bobbleheads given away to 1,500 fans in attendance. Game time is 6:30pm and gates open at 5:30pm. Tickets are available at rcquakes.com. Go Quakes!