Quakes Scuffle In Series Conclusion With Giants

Rancho Cucamonga, CA- The Quakes couldn't notch the big hit on Friday night, trailing the Giants for the majority of the game while falling short of the series sweep in a 4-2 defeat at Loan Mart Field.
Eight runners were left aboard for the Quakes on the evening and the offense was just one-for-eight when hitting with runners in scoring position.
Right-hander Max Gamboa made his debut start with the Quakes and allowed a run in each of his first three innings pitched. San Jose inched to an early 2-zip lead with RBI-groundouts in the first and second innings.
Rancho's only runs runs came in the home half of the second inning. Logan Landon and Connor Wong reached on a walk and a single to open the frame. Zach McKinstry drove home Wong with an RBI-single and Saige Jenco evened the game 2-2 with a sacrifice fly.
Wander Franco's RBI-single in the third proved to be the game-winning hit as the Giants retook a 3-2 lead.
Rancho had opportunities to score in the middle-to-late innings, but left the tying man in scoring position in the fifth, sixth and seventh.
Jalen Miller added insurance for the Giants in the ninth with an RBI-single to cap the score at 4-2.
Although departing in the fifth with just a one-run deficit, Gamboa (0-1) was saddled with the loss, striking out five and not walking a batter over five innings. Giants starter Domenic Mazza allowed both Rancho runs but wound up as the winning pitcher after working five innings as well.
Gavin Lux entered Friday night on a 19-game hitting streak but finished 0-for-3 at the plate to end his season-long stretch.
The loss drops the Quakes to 58-41 on the season and 23-6 in the second half of play. Friday's defeat also ends a stretch of ten-consecutive wins over the Giants during the second half.     
The Quakes begin a three-game series hosting the Modesto Nuts on Saturday night with LHP Leo Crawford scheduled to open on the mound for the Quakes. Modesto will counter with RHP Darren McCaughen (4-7). First pitch is set for 7:05 PM.
It will be Harry Potter night at the ballpark and fans will get to enjoy a postgame fireworks show thanks to Smile Generation! Tickets are available at rcquakes.com or by calling (909) 481-5000.