Losing Streak Stretches to Nine
Bakersfield, CA - The Quakes couldn't hold on to an early lead on Saturday night in Bakersfield in a 10-7 loss to the Blaze at Sam Lynn Ballpark. The loss was Rancho's ninth in a row.
Things started well for Rancho Cucamonga (18-11, 50-49). In the first inning, they scored on an Aaron Miller RBI single. James Baldwin doubled Rancho's lead with a solo home run in the second inning. In the third inning, Chris Jacobs blasted a two-run shot to right-center field to give the Quakes a 4-0 lead. The home run was Jacobs' team-leading 20th of the season.
After a strong first two innings, Tom Windle (9-6, 4.61) could not hold onto Rancho's four-run lead. The first three men of the third reached for Bakersfield (13-16, 58-41), setting the table for outfielder Jeff Gelalich. Gelalich made the Quakes pay with a grand slam to tie the game. Later in the inning, a Sebastian Elizalde RBI double put the Blaze up 5-4.
The Blaze scored the next four runs of the game as well. In the sixth inning, Bakersfield added three runs on two hits against Rancho's Luis Meza to take a 9-4 lead.
Daniel Wright (6-3, 4.70) earned his second win of the year against Rancho, giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings. He struck out 10 Quakes and walked only two.
The Quakes put up a fight against the Blaze bullpen, scoring a run in each of the final three frames. In the ninth, Rancho got an RBI single from Chris Jacobs to cut the deficit to three. Down 10-7, the Quakes loaded the bases with one out, but Bakersfield's Ben Klimesh retired Steven Prosica and Tyler Ogle to end the ballgame.
Chris Jacobs tied a season-high with four RBIs, but the Quakes as a team were just 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position on Friday. Rancho's nine-game losing streak ties their longest of the season. They dropped nine in a row in April.
The series continues on Sunday afternoon at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First-rounder Chris Anderson (6-6, 5.09) gets the ball for Rancho against Bakersfield lefty Ismail Guillon (0-3, 9.39). First pitch is at 12:00 pm and the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports AM 1350 starting with the LoanMart Pregame Report at 11:45 am.
The Quakes return home for four games with High Desert on July 24. Thursday, July 24 is a Thirsty Thursday at LoanMart Field! Fans can enjoy 24-oz. Pepsi products and 16-oz. domestic drafts for just $2, while 16-oz. premium drafts, wine, champagne and margaritas are only $3. On Friday, July 25, the first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a Zack Greinke Bobblehead thanks to Waba Grill Teriyaki House! Both games start at 7:05 pm. Tickets are still available by calling (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you soon at LoanMart Field! Go Quakes!