Ports Take Two of Three with Thursday Win

Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Defensive miscues and a struggling bullpen allowed Thursday's rubber match contest to slip away from the Quakes as they dropped the final game of the series to the Ports by a 6-2 final.
With Rancho leading 2-1 entering the sixth inning, Stockton's offense rallied against the Quakes bullpen and gathered a large lead.
Starting pitcher Andrew Sopko worked into the sixth but was replaced by Jason Richman after giving up a leadoff single. Eight Stockton hitters would step to the plate against Richman and score five total runs on a throwing error, a two run double by Kevin Merrell and a two run triple from Dairon Blanco, giving Stockton the 6-2 lead. Richman (1-5) pitched a scoreless seventh inning but was charged with the loss.
In total on Thursday, the Quakes defense committed four total fielding errors, which allowed runs to score in the fourth and sixth innings for Stockton.
Rancho scored their only two runs in the fifth inning after Donovan Casey and Cody Thomas lead off with consecutive singles. Hamlet Harte scored Casey on a sacrifice fly and Cody Thomas would score from third on a wild pitch, giving the Quakes a 2-1 lead.
Over the final three innings, the Quakes managed just one hit against Stockton relievers Will Gilbert and Andrew Tomasovich who closed out the game.
Even Manarino (1-0), making his season debut with Stockton, was credited with the victory after replacing starting pitcher Dustin Hurlbutt, who did not allow a hit over 3.2 innings on the hill.
Following the loss, the Quakes sit at the bottom of the California League South division with a record of 20-27 on the year. They will now head on the road for a three game series at Inland Empire beginning tomorrow, with RHP Dustin May (0-3) scheduled to start for the Quakes. He will be opposed by Jason Alexander (2-2) of the 66ers with first pitch booked for 7:05 PM.
The Quakes return to LoanMart Field for a seven-game home stand, beginning on Memorial Day, this coming Monday, May 28th. Monday will be a special 2:05pm game and it's a pet friendly day, so bring your dogs to the ballpark, thanks to Blue Buffalo. Tickets are available online at rcquakes.com.