Quakes Earn First "W" with Walk-Off Win

Rancho Cucamonga, CA - The Quakes earned their first victory of the season Saturday night in walk-off fashion. Pratt Maynard's ninth inning sacrifice fly to left field scored Corey Seager from third for the winning run against San Jose in a 1-0 game.

Brian Wilson made a rehab start for Rancho Cucamonga (1-2). The righty retired the side in order, including a strikeout of San Jose (2-1) leadoff man Jesus Galindo to start the game. He was relieved by Lindsey Caughel in the second inning. Caughel was masterful in six innings of relief. The returning Quake struck out eight and scattered six hits over as many innings.

San Jose's pitchers were just as good. Starter Joan Gregorio combined with Mason McVey and Jorge Bucardo to keep the Quakes off the board for eight innings. Gregorio struck out five in four innings of work before being pulled in favor of McVey in the fifth. The lefty did not allow a hit in three innings of scoreless relief.

The Giants nearly broke the scoreless tie in the top of the eighth inning. Rando Moreno walked with one out and stole second to give the Giants a runner in scoring position. Mitch Delfino followed with a single to right field, but Rob Garvey's throw was on target to catcher Pratt Maynard. Maynard tagged out Moreno at the dish to keep San Jose without a run.

The Quakes made some noise against Jorge Bucardo in the home half of the eighth. With two outs, Brandon Dixon singled to give Rancho their first base runner since the fifth inning. James Baldwin followed with a base hit to right field to move Dixon to third. With runners on the corners and two outs, Rob Garvey bounced out to third base to end the threat.

Rancho Cucamonga closer Owen Jones (1-0, 0.00 ERA) made his first appearance of 2014 to begin the ninth inning. He needed just seven pitches to retire the side in order, setting up a dramatic final frame for the Quakes.

With one out and the bases empty, Corey Seager hit a line drive into right-center field for extra bases. Center fielder Jesus Galindo's throw back to the infield was out of second baseman Trevor Brown's reach, and Seager advanced to third base on the errant throw. The only error of the game would prove to be costly. After a five-pitch walk to Steven Proscia, Pratt Maynard came to the dish with a chance to end it. He took a 1-0 pitch to left field, and it was deep enough for Seager to tag and score the only run of the ball game. Giants' reliever Stephen Johnson (0-1, 0.00 ERA) took the loss despite not giving up an earned run.

The Quakes mobbed Maynard at first base to celebrate their first victory of 2014. Fans were treated to a Fireworks display courtesy of the Best Western Heritage Inn after the game.

Sunday's game features another Dodger rehab appearance brought to you by San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino, as Chad Billingsley is expected to start for Rancho Cucamonga. First pitch is at 2:05 pm. Any kid with a ticket to the game is welcome to attend a U.S. Bank Youth Clinic with Quakes' players at 10 am. Tickets are still available by calling (909) 481-5000 or online via rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field very soon. Go Quakes!