Quakes Defeat Cougars, Ready for Thursday's Opener

By Mike Lindskog

April 2, 2014

Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Rancho Cucamonga smacked three home runs and showed why their pitching staff will be regarded as one of the best in the Cal League in 2014, as they took down the Azusa Pacific University Cougars on Tuesday night, winning a 10-1 seven-inning game at LoanMart Field.

Brandon Dixon, James McDonald and Pratt Maynard all went deep, while Rancho used six pitchers in holding the Cougar offense to just four hits.

Rancho tallied three times in the first inning, seizing an early 3-0 advantage. Jeremy Rathjen, who had three hits on the night, drove in the game's first run, when his singled home Rob Garvey to put the Quakes on the board. Two batters later, Steven Proscia followed with a two-run single, putting Rancho up by three.

The Quakes would go on to produce runs in six of the seven innings on Tuesday night.

The Cougars got their one and only run off of Rancho starter Tom Windle in the third. Blake James, from Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, picked up his first of two hits on the night, then scored on a Mitch Dergazarian RBI groundout, making it 4-1.

Windle would complete three full innings on Tuesday, striking out five, while allowing one run on two hits.

The Quakes open the 2014 regular season on Thursday night at LoanMart Field, hosting the San Jose Giants in the opening game of a four-game series. Chris Anderson (0-0) will throw for the Quakes, while Chris Stratton toes the rubber for San Jose. Game time is 7:05pm and the game can be heard on the new radio home of the Quakes, Fox Sports 1350 or via the iHeartRadio app.

Opening Night will feature a post-game Fireworks Display, thanks to Boston's. It's also Thirsty Thursday, with $2 16-oz domestic drafts, $2 24-oz Pepsi Products, $3 16-oz premium drafts and $3 wine, margaritas and champagne. Everyone will also take home a free 2014 Magnet Schedule, thanks to Allstar KIA. Tickets are available at (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field for Opening Night on Thursday. Go Quakes!