Quakes Can't Hold on to Early Lead

Bakersfield, CA - For the second game in a row, Rancho jumped out to an early lead but couldn't hold on in Bakersfield. The Quakes' 7-5 loss to the Blaze on Sunday afternoon was their tenth defeat in a row.

Rancho Cucamonga (18-12, 50-50) got off to a quick start against Bakersfield's Ismail Guillon in the first inning. With one out, Rob Garvey hit a solo shot to right field. The homer was his sixth of the season and his first since May 25.

After Garvey, Alex Guerrero followed with a double to left field in his first at-bat with the Quakes. Two batters later, Steven Proscia smacked a two-run home run to right-center field and Rancho took a 3-0 lead before Bakersfield had a chance to hit.

The Quakes took a 4-0 lead on Kyle Farmer's fielder's choice in the third inning, but their offense was held in check for the rest of Guillon's start. The Bakersfield lefty retired the lat 11 men he faced in six innings of work.

Rancho's Chris Anderson gave up just one run on six hits in five innings. He was in line for the victory until the Quakes had to turn the game over to their bullpen.

In the sixth inning, Craig Stem (0-1, 5.89) gave up two runs on two hits, a walk and a Jeremy Rathjen error. He came back out for the seventh with a 4-3 Rancho lead, but couldn't hold on. With two on and two out, Juan Perez hit a three-run homer to put Bakersfield in front 6-4.

Rancho pulled within a run in the eighth inning on Jeremy Rathjen's leadoff home run. Steven Proscia and Kyle Farmer followed with singles to put the tying and go-ahead runners aboard with two outs. Pratt Maynard sacrificed both men into scoring position, but Kyle McMyne retired the next two hitters without allowing Rancho to tie the game.

Bakersfield (14-16, 59-41) got the run back in the bottom of the eighth inning on a home run by Sebastian Elizalde. The Quakes went down in order on just nine pitches from Ben Klimesh in the ninth inning. Klimesh earned his sixth save of the year, and his second in as many games.

The loss stretched Rancho's skid to 10 games, which is the team's longest of the season. The Quakes' last win came on July 9 against Lake Elsinore at LoanMart Field.

The four-game series in Bakersfield continues on Monday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Lindsey Caughel (6-4, 3.17) will try to be the stopper for Rancho against Bakersfield righty Drew Cisco (4-4, 5.73). First pitch is at 7:45 pm and the game will be broadcast on Fox Sports AM 1350 starting with the LoanMart Pregame Report at 7:30 pm. 

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!