Quakes' Rally Falls Short in Ninth

Rancho Cucamonga, CA - For the second straight night, three San Jose runs in the first inning were too much for Rancho Cucamonga to overcome. The Quakes had an opportunity to tie the game in the ninth, but fell short in a 3-2 defeat on Friday night at LoanMart Field.

Dodger right-hander Josh Beckett (0-1) got the start for Rancho Cucamonga (0-2) in a rehab appearance. He struggled in the first inning, giving up three runs while facing eight hitters. Giants' leadoff man Jesus Galindo walked to start the game. Elliott Blair drove him in with a home run to put San Jose (2-0) on the board. Mitch Delfino followed with a home run to left field, but it wasn't without controversy. The ball bounced back into the field of play, but was ruled a home run by umpire Jason Starkovich and San Jose led 3-0 before the Quakes had a chance to hit.

Beckett settled down and retired ten of the next eleven hitters he faced, including seven in a row at one point. He struck out five and walked three in just over four innings, but was pulled after facing a single batter in the top of the fifth inning. Matt Shelton pitched a scoreless inning of relief to finish the frame.

San Jose starter Kendry Flores (1-0) stifled the Rancho offense in seven nearly flawless innings of work. The righty did not allow a hit through the first five innings. James Baldwin broke up the no-hitter with a bunt single to lead off the sixth inning, but the Quakes stranded him on second.

Steven Proscia finally got the Quakes on the board with a solo shot to left field in the seventh inning. That was all the damage Rancho could muster against Flores. He finished with six strikeouts and only one walk in seven innings. Baldwin's bunt-single and Prosica's home run were the only hits the right-hander allowed.

Quakes fans got their first look at the highly touted Julio Urias in the sixth inning. The 17-year-old began his first California League appearance with a pair of walks, but retired the next three hitters he faced. Urias pitched four scoreless innings of relief. He walked four, but struck out five including the side in the ninth.

Rancho had an opportunity to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth against San Jose closer Tyler Mizenko. Scott Proscia led off the inning with a base hit to center field. Catcher Pratt Maynard doubled him in with a line drive down the left-field line, putting the tying run in scoring position with nobody out. But Mizenko would settle down to earn his first save of 2014. He struck out Chris Jacobs and Brandon Dixon before inducing a pop out from Adam Law to end the game.

The Quakes are back at it on Saturday in search of their first win of 2014. Dodger reliever Brian Wilson is scheduled to start and pitch an inning for Rancho Cucamonga, before handing the ball off to originally scheduled starter Lindsey Caughel. First pitch is at 7:05 pm. After the game, fans will enjoy a Fireworks Display, thanks to the Best Western Heritage Inn. Tickets are still available by calling (909) 481-5000 or by visiting rcquakes.com. We hope to see you very soon at LoanMart Field...Go Quakes!