Quakes Split with Mavs

Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Hits and runs were at a premium for the Quakes as they struggled to find a rhythm at the plate on Sunday afternoon at LoanMart Field. Rancho fell to the visiting High Desert Mavericks, 8-2, splitting the four-game set with its California League rival.

Quakes starter Gustavo Gomez (0-2) was roughed up in his third outing of the season, surrendering six runs (five earned) on eight hits and one walk in his third start of the season. His counterpart, Mavericks right-hander Jordan Pries, on the other hand, stymied Rancho batters to the tune of just three hits and two earned runs in six innings. Pries (1-0) fanned eight Quakes batters on the day.

The Quakes failed to have a multi-hit effort from any of their batters, but did see O'Koyea Dickson boost his season RBI total to 12. With the Quakes down 3-0 in the first inning, Dickson helped the Quakes earn one back in the bottom half of the frame. After Rob Garvey singled to center field and eventually stole third base, Dickson cashed him in with a single that bounced off the bag at first. Dickson added a sacrifice fly in the third inning.

First baseman Ji-Man Choi put the Mavericks ahead early, driving Gomez's full-count offering to the wall in left field for a two-RBI double for a 2-0 High Desert advantage before the Quakes could record an out in the top of the first. Mavericks catcher Steven Baron added an RBI groundout to make it 3-0 High Desert before the end of the frame.

High Desert shortstop Chris Taylor extended the Mavericks' lead to 4-1 with an RBI infield single smothered by Quakes shortstop Elevys Gonzalez.

Nate Melendres cushioned the Mavericks' lead with a solo shot into the trees beyond the left field wall to start the top of the fourth. A single from Patrick Brady and an RBI double from Anthony Phillips followed, and that marked the end of Gomez's day on the hill.

Quakes right-hander Craig Stem pitched two scoreless innings of relief, holding the Mavericks to just one hit in those frames.

Sitting even in the standings at 9-9, the Quakes get a breather on Monday and will return to action on Tuesday as they travel to San Manuel Stadium for a three-game set with the Inland Empire 66ers. Garrett Gould (0-2, 11.57 ERA) is the scheduled  starter for Rancho and will be facing an Inland Empire squad led by left-hander Kramer Sneed (1-1, 2.20 ERA).

Following the three-game series with the 66ers, the Quakes will return to Rancho for a trio against the Lake Elsinore Storm. Join us at LoanMart Field on Friday night for $1 Family Feast Night, presented by Family RV. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, Pepsi products and ice cream sandwiches, all thanks to our friends at Family RV.

Gates open at 6:05 p.m. and game time is 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available at (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you very soon at LoanMart Field. Go Quakes!