Fifth-Inning Comeback Launches Quakes Past Tower Buzzers

By Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

1:15 AM EDT

Ontario, Calif. – The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (29-34, 65-64) received a boost from their bats near the halfway point at ONT Field on Thursday night, rallying for a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over the Ontario Tower Buzzers (36-27, 69-60). Ontario got their offense going in the bottom of the first inning,

Ontario, Calif. – The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (29-34, 65-64) received a boost from their bats near the halfway point at ONT Field on Thursday night, rallying for a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over the Ontario Tower Buzzers (36-27, 69-60).

Ontario got their offense going in the bottom of the first inning, as their leadoff hitter put them ahead. Kellon Lindsey hit a solo home run to get their night started at the dish, pushing the Tower Buzzers in front 1-0.

Two innings later, the Quakes canceled out the big fly by launching one of their own. Lucas Ramirez led off the top of the third inning by clearing the wall in right-center field, knotting the score at one.

The Tower Buzzers jumped back on top in the bottom of the fourth, establishing a multi-run edge. Easton Shelton connected on a solo home run, and Bryan Gonzalez recorded an RBI triple, handing them a 3-1 lead.

In need of a comeback, the Quakes rose to the occasion at the plate in their next trip to the dish. Lucas Ramirez drew a leadoff walk and stole second base, allowing Jaxon Willits to double him home, cutting the deficit in half. Angel Arredondo then laced an RBI single, re-tying the contest at three apiece. Gavin Grahovac followed up by lining a double to left field, placing two runners in scoring position. Joswa Lugo quickly capitalized on the opportunity, producing a sacrifice fly that gave Rancho Cucamonga their first advantage of the night at 4-3.

From that point forward, Quakes pitching took control. Starter Derek Clark completed his outing by throwing two scoreless innings, polishing off a quality start. Angelo Smith emerged from the bullpen in the bottom of the seventh, stranding two Tower Buzzers on the base paths across two scoreless frames before handing the ball over to Alex Martinez. The closer proceeded to strike out the side in the bottom of the ninth, hammering down the narrow win.

The Quakes head back to ONT Field on Friday at 6:35 PM in hopes of capturing a series win over the Tower Buzzers. RHP Ubaldo Soto gets the start for Rancho Cucamonga opposite RHP Luis Carias for Ontario.