Quakes Dominated by JetHawks, Lancaster Wins First Half Title

Rancho Cucamonga, CA- The Quakes couldn't put up a fight in a must-win game on Saturday night as the Quakes watched the JetHawks celebrate the South Division first half title at LoanMart Field. The Quakes fell 12-1 to Lancaster in the second-to-last game of the first half.
Lancaster needed to win two out of the four games in the series to win the first half. After losing the first game of the set, the JetHawks won the next two to end the pennant race in the first half.
The Quakes fell behind early, due to a rough start from Devin Smeltzer. Smeltzer (1-1), who was brilliant in his first two starts with Rancho, lasted just three and a third innings, giving up seven runs (five earned) on seven hits while striking out three and not walking a batter.
Smeltzer gave up two home runs in the first two innings to make it 3-0. After Brendan Rodgers homered in the first, Roberto Ramos blasted a two-run shot in the second inning and Lancaster never looked back.
They went on to score in six-out-of-the-nine innings, highlighted by a four-run fourth inning that chased Smeltzer.
Victor Roache laced two doubles on the offensive side for the Quakes and finished 2-for-4 on the night while Ibandel Isabel, Errol Robinson and DJ Peters also had two-hit nights.
Jesus Tinoco (5-1) dazzled the Quakes through six innings for Lancaster. He only allowed one run on seven hits while striking out five and walking two.
One night after stranding 16 and going 2-for-13 with runners-in-scoring-position, Rancho went just 2-for-10 with runners-in-scoring-position and stranded 10 more on the bases on Saturday.
Rancho Cucamonga (35-34) will be back in action on Sunday, June 18, against Lancaster (38-31) for the final game of the first half at 2:05 pm. Left-hander Caleb Ferguson (1-4) is scheduled to start for the Quakes while the JetHawks will counter with righty Craig Schlitter (9-1).
Before the game tomorrow, special needs kids will be invited to participate in a FREE clinic with Quakes' players and coaches, all thanks to U.S. Bank! (Free with purchase of a ticket to the game). In addition, it's a Kids-Eat-Free Sunrun Sunday, where kids 12 and under will get a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and bag of chips! Kids will also get to run the bases following the game thanks to Smile Generation. The MVP gates will open at 5:45 and the main gates will open at 6:05. Tickets are available at 909-481-5000 or rcquakes.com. Go Quakes!