Stripling Solid But Quakes Fall Short

San Bernardino, CA -The Inland Empire 66ers took advantage of two eighth-inning errors by the Quakes on Wednesday evening, scoring the go-ahead run and hanging on for a 2-1 win at San Manuel Stadium.

The errors took away from what was an amazing pitcher's duel on Wednesday as Ross Stripling and Mark Sappington both turned in solid efforts.

The Quakes broke up a scoreless tie in the fifth, as Scott Schebler homered to straight-away center field, his third of the year to make it 1-0.

Stripling gave up a bloop-double to Ryan Jones to open the bottom of the inning though, with Jones eventually coming in on a safety squeeze by Zach Wright, tying the game at 1-1.

Stripling pitched a season-high six innings, allowing just the one run on three hits, while striking out six.

Sappington had a similar line, allowing just the one run on four hits, also fanning six.

The game remained tied at 1-1 until the bottom of the eighth. Quakes' reliever James Campbell (1-1), who worked a perfect seventh, allowed an infield single to Joel Capote to open the inning. After a sacrifice by Eric Stamets moved Capote to second with one out, Alex Yarbrough followed with a routine grounder to shortstop Darnell Sweeney. Sweeney moved to his left but mishandled the ball, allowing runners to reach first and third. On the play, Capote rounded third base far enough to where Sweeney threw home, overthrowing catcher Chris O'Brien and allowing the eventual game-winner to score. 

Michael Morin (2-1), who earned the save on Tuesday, fired two scoreless innings for the victory on Wednesday. 

The loss for Rancho (9-11) is their season-worst, third straight of the year, as they now look to avoid the sweep on Thursday. Jarret Martin (0-3) will go for the Quakes, opposite Esmerlin Jimenez (0-2) in the series-finale at 7:05pm.

The Quakes return to LoanMart Field on Friday, for another Family RV $1 Family Feast Night, with fans enjoying hot dogs, Pepsi products and ice cream sandwiches all for just $1 each. Tickets are available at (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you very soon at LoanMart Field…Go Quakes!