Quakes Fall From First on Sunday

Rancho Cucamonga, CA- Yadier Álvarez's struggles led to a 7-4 loss for the Quakes in game three against Stockton on Sunday afternoon.  
Rancho's loss, coupled with Lancaster's extra-inning win over Inland Empire on Sunday knocks the Quakes out of first place for the first time since April 11th, as they're now one game back of the JetHawks with 19 to go in the first half.
Alvarez was not sharp from the beginning in his seventh start of the season. He gave up eight hits the first two innings alone and was removed in the fifth inning after not recording an out. He ultimately threw four innings, giving up six runs on nine hits while striking out five and walking two.
The blow that knocked Alvarez out of the game was a three-run shot by Seth Brown that broke a 3-3 tie in the fifth following a Luke Raley three-run blast for the Quakes in the third inning.
Raley finished the day 2-for-3, with a home run, triple and he was also hit by a pitch.
The Quakes knocked in another run in the fifth on an RBI double by DJ Peters, but the Ports increased Rancho's deficit back to three on an RBI single by Brown in the top of the sixth.
The Quakes only massed three base runners after that and Joey Wagman earned his first save of the season by pitching the last two innings for Stockton.
Alvarez (0-2) was handed the loss for Rancho Cucamonga (27-24) and Angel Duno (4-1) earned the win in his start for Stockton (24-24) as he gave up four runs on seven hits in five innings while striking out five.
The Quakes will be back in action Monday, May 29th, against the Stockton Ports for game four at 2:05 PM. Right-hander Adam Bray (1-0) is scheduled to start for the Quakes while the Ports will counter with righty Casey Meisner (3-5).
Monday is a special Memorial Day Baseball Game, starting at 2:05pm at LoanMart Field. In addition, it's Blue Buffalo Pet-Friendly Day at the ballpark, as four-legged friends will be welcome! Tickets are available at 909-481-5000 or rcquakes.com. Go Quakes!