Well-Pitched Contest Sees 66ers Outduel Quakes

San Bernardino, Calif. – The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (17-22, 53-52) ran into a trio of Inland Empire 66ers (19-20, 47-58) who brought their ace stuff to San Manuel Stadium on Thursday evening, handing them a close 2-1 defeat.

Both starters, Derek Clark and Mason Peters, tossed two shutout innings to open the night, but the Quakes opened the scoring with a big swing in the top of the third. John Wimmer launched a solo home run over the pitch clock in center field, handing the Quakes a 1-0 edge.

However, one frame later, the 66ers delivered a swift reply. Jake Brown delivered a solo shot of his own, leveling the contest at one apiece.

Feeding off their middle-inning momentum, Inland Empire took the lead in their next turn at bat. Nick Becker drew a leadoff walk and promptly stole second base moments later. A deep flyout advanced him 90 more feet before Connor Dykstra drove him in on a sacrifice fly, moving the 66ers ahead 2-1.

Clark worked around the damage to polish off a quality start, but Inland Empire’s bullpen topped him by one out. After Jean Munoz secured the final out of the third inning, Jack Bowery carried the 66ers the rest of the way. He scattered one hit and two walks across six scoreless frames, keeping the Quakes in check to lead the hosts to the finish line, locking down the win.

The Quakes look to even their six-game series at two victories apiece against the 66ers on Friday at 6:35 PM. RHP Jackson Steensma gets the ball for Inland Empire while the Quakes have not yet named a starting pitcher. Baseball returns to Morongo Field on August 11^th at 6:30 PM as the Ontario Tower Buzzers head to town on Healthy RC Recycle Tuesday and Two Dollar Tuesday.