Ports Hold Off Quakes on Tuesday

Rancho leaves bases loaded in ninth

(STEVE SAENZ)

By Andrew Chapman

May 23, 2018

Rancho Cucamonga, CA- Trailing by a run in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Quakes were unable to score despite loading the bases, dropping the opener of a three-game series with the Stockton Ports, 4-3.After retiring the Quakes in order in the eighth, Stockton closer Miguel Romero entered in

Rancho Cucamonga, CA- Trailing by a run in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Quakes were unable to score despite loading the bases, dropping the opener of a three-game series with the Stockton Ports, 4-3.
After retiring the Quakes in order in the eighth, Stockton closer Miguel Romero entered in the ninth, hunting for the two-inning save.
Following a Nick Yarnall single to begin the inning, Gavin Lux doubled with one out to right field, putting a pair of runners in scoring position. Stockton would respond by intentionally walking Rylan Bannon to load the bases and set up a force play with the heart of the order due up.
With one out in the ninth, Connor Wong missed at a 3-2 slider from Romero and Cristian Santana followed with a fielder's choice groundout as Edwin Diaz made the final out at third base. Holding off the Rancho rally, Romero was credited with his ninth save of the year.
The Quakes traded runs with Stockton early on after allowing a Nate Mondou two-run home run in the third inning.
Bannon knocked home Lux with an RBI double and two batters later was plated on a Santana single.
Rancho starting pitcher Dean Kremer was removed from the game after 2.2 innings of work and Stockton would strike against reliever Logan Salow from the bullpen.
A pair of RBI singles in the third from Diaz and Kevin Merrell would be enough to hold off the Quakes, putting Stockton up 4-2. Salow (0-1) who allowed both earned runs in the inning, was hit with the loss as Kremer was handed a no-decision.
On the mound for Stockton, starting pitcher Zach Erwin (3-3) lasted five innings and despite allowing all three Quakes runs, secured the win.
Following the loss, the Quakes have fallen to a 19-25 record and will look to even the series against Stockton on Wednesday, with right-hander Chris Mathewson getting the start. He will be opposed by Jake Bray of Stockton.
Tuesday is Terra Vista Animal Hospital Bark in the Ballpark Night. To purchase a ticket in a pet-friendly section, please call the Quakes ticket office at (909)-481-5000.