Rancho Swept by Lancaster

Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Rancho's struggles continued on Monday night with a 5-3 loss to Lancaster at LoanMart Field. The loss was the team's fifth in a row, and the Quakes were swept for the first time since late May.

For the third game in a row, Lancaster (12-13, 56-39) scored in the first inning. Lindsey Caughel (6-4, 3.17) gave up two runs on three hits in the opening frame.

Caughel had allowed just one earned run in his previous 26 innings of work, and Monday's loss brought an end to his four-game winning streak. It was still a quality start for Caughel, who allowed three runs on nine hits in six innings.

Jack Mayfield's fifth-inning RBI double made it 3-0 in favor of the JetHawks before Rancho Cucamonga (18-7, 50-45) got on the board. With two outs and the bases empty, James Baldwin launched the first of two solo home runs on the night for him. He also hit a home run in the ninth inning off of Jamaine Cotton to make it a two-run game late. 

That home run was the only run allowed by Evan Grills (1-1, 1.80). The Lancaster lefty gave up one run on seven hits in six innings without walking a batter to earn his first California League victory.

The Quakes never got closer than two runs in the game. Lancaster scored a run off of rehabbing Dodger Scott Elbert in the top of the seventh. Elbert gave up two hits and a walk in his inning of work. Fellow Dodger Justin Turner made his second-straight rehab start for the Quakes. He played third base and went 0-for-3 at the plate.

Rancho's best offensive opportunity came in the eighth inning. They loaded the bases on two walks and a single with nobody out against Juan Minaya. Chris Jacobs struck out before Pratt Maynard's sac fly gave the Quakes their second run of the game. That was all that Rancho would get, as Kyle Farmer struck out to end the frame.

The Quakes went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position on Monday night. They also grounded into three double plays.

Despite a 2-5 home stand against Lake Elsinore and Lancaster, the Quakes still sit atop the South Division in the Second Half standings. The Storm's loss on Monday night meant that the Quakes would take a three-game lead into a league-wide off day on Tuesday.

After Tuesday's off day, the Quakes travel north for a seven-game road swing. The trip begins with three games in San Jose against the surging Giants starting on Wednesday night. Fabio Martinez (4-5, 4.88) gets the ball for Rancho against San Jose righty Pat Young (7-3, 5.47). It will be the first series between these teams since the season began in April. First pitch is at 7:00 pm and the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports AM 1350 starting with the LoanMart Pregame Report at 6:45 pm.

The Quakes return home for four games with High Desert on July 24. Thursday, July 24 is a Thirsty Thursday at LoanMart Field! Fans can enjoy 24-oz. Pepsi products and 16-oz. domestic drafts for just $2, while 16-oz. premium drafts, wine, champagne and margaritas are only $3. On Friday, July 25, the first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a Zack Greinke Bobblehead thanks to Waba Grill Teriyaki House! Both games start at 7:05 pm. Tickets are still available by calling (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you soon at LoanMart Field! Go Quakes!