Quakes Hold off 66ers for Series Victory

San Bernardino, CA - In another close game between Rancho Cucamonga and Inland Empire, the Quakes held off the 66ers by a 6-4 score on Thursday night. The Quakes have won 15 of their last 21 games and they have not lost a series in the month of May.

Inland Empire (17-31) struck first with a run in the first inning, but Rancho Cucamonga (23-25) answered in a big way. With one out, Leo Rodriguez singled and James Baldwin drew a walk to put two men on. Rob Garvey, the next hitter, blasted a three-run home run to right field off of Greg Billo (0-2, 14.40). Garvey, who entered this year with six career home runs, has three home runs this year.

The Quakes added another run in the third inning to take a 4-1 lead. Aaron Miller led off the frame with a triple to right-center field. Two batters later, Pratt Maynard dumped a single into left field to score Miller from third.

Jharel Cotton gave up two runs (one earned) in 4.2 innings, but did not pitch long enough to earn his first win. Freddie Cabrera (1-1, 3.45) entered the game with two men on and two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning. He got Dennis Raben to ground out on his first pitch to maintain a two-run lead for the Quakes.

The 66ers cut the Rancho lead to one with a run in the sixth inning, but the Quakes pulled away in the eighth. With one out and a man on, Rob Garvey pummeled an RBI triple to the gap in right-center field. Garvey finished the day 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs.

Two batters, later, Corey Seager roped an RBI single into right field to give Rancho a 6-3 lead. Seager went 4-for-5 in the game, raising his average to .368 on the season. He has hit in nine straight games, and he has had multiple hits in his last five games.

Dan Tillman gave up a run in the eighth inning, but Rob Rogers and Blake Smith combined to close out the game. Smith earned his sixth save of the season with a perfect ninth for the second night in a row.

Rancho returns to LoanMart Field for a four-game series with Lake Elsinore on Friday night. Tom Windle (4-2, 4.40) gets the ball for Rancho opposite first-rounder Zach Eflin (4-2, 3.44) for the Storm. First pitch is at 7:05 pm and the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1350 starting with the LoanMart Pregame Report at 6:50 pm.

On Friday night, the first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a Yasiel Puig Quakes Bobblehead courtesy of AllStar Kia! Saturday is Star Wars Night at the ballpark, as the entire evening will be dedicated to the classic films. The Quakes will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Association - California Southland Chapter. After the game, fans will be treated to a Fireworks Extravaganza thanks to Safeco Insurance! Tickets are still available by calling (909) 481-5000 or going online to rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field soon! Go Quakes!