Rancho Wins Third Straight One-Run Game Over 66ers

San Bernardino, CA - In another close game against Inland Empire, the Quakes took down the 66ers 3-2 on Saturday night. Rancho has won three straight one-run games, and nine in a row against Inland Empire overall.

Lindsey Caughel (4-3, 3.81) was the highlight for the Quakes on another night that the team struggled on offense. In his first start since May 6, Caughel struck out eight and walked just one in seven shutout innings to earn the victory.

Rancho Cucamonga (9-1, 41-39) scored twice in the top of the first inning on Elliot Morris (1-3, 4.30). Adam Law and Brandon Dixon led off the game with back-to-back singles, and Corey Seager followed with a walk to load the bases. Chris Jacobs hit a ground ball to first base, but Dennis Raben's throw down to second skipped into left field allowing both Dixon and Law to score.

The Quakes added an insurance run in the seventh inning. With men on first and second and one out, Adam Law hit a ground ball to the shortstop. Inland Empire's Jose Rondon flipped the ball to second base for one, but Sherman Johnson dropped the ball after James Baldwin collided with him at the base. With the ball on the infield grass, Rob Garvey was able to score from second base to give Rancho a 3-0 lead.

Inland Empire (1-9, 26-54) had much more success off of Rancho's bullpen. In the eighth, Jose Rondon and Wade Hinkle hit consecutive doubles to put the 66ers on the board.

In the ninth, Rancho closer Rob Rogers walked the tightrope. After striking out the first two hitters he faced, he allowed a home run to Mark Shannon that cut the Quakes' lead to a single run. After the long ball, Rogers gave up a walk and a single to put the tying run on third and the winning run on first. In a pressure-filled situation, Rogers struck out Jose Rondon to end the ballgame.

With the 3-2 victory, the Quakes have won three straight one-run affairs in this series against Inland Empire. After going 5-14 in one-run games in the First Half, the Quakes are 4-0 in such games after the All-Star Break.

Rancho goes for a second straight four-game sweep of the 66ers Sunday evening at San Manuel Stadium. Former Inland Empire pitcher Fabio Martinez (4-3, 4.58) gets the ball against righty Dan Tobik (1-4, 4.96) for Inland Empire. First pitch is at 5:05 pm and the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports AM 1350 starting with the LoanMart Pregame Report at 4:50 pm. 

Rancho returns to LoanMart Field on Tuesday, July 1 for a three-game series against High Desert. The series opener is a Healthy RC Recycle Tuesday. Fans who bring in ten (10) CRV-eligible bottles and cans will receive a free club-level ticket to LoanMart Field! Wednesday, July 2 is Terra Vista Animal Hospital Bark in the Ballpark. Bring your dog to the game for just $3, with all proceeds going to the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter. The series concludes with our biggest night of the year. On July 3, fans will be treated to a patriotic Fireworks Spectacular after the game thanks to Cagle's Appliance Center. Tickets are available by calling (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field in July! Go Quakes!