Rancho Loses By a Run to 66ers

San Bernardino, CA - Rancho Cucamonga fell by a run in a 4-3 loss to Inland Empire on Thursday night in the series opener at San Manuel Stadium. It was the 10th one-run game between the Quakes and 66ers in 2014.

Julio Urias (1-2, 2.94) suffered his second loss of the year after giving up three runs (two earned) in four innings. After striking out two in a perfect first inning, Urias gave up a solo home run to Cal Towey in the second. It was the fourth home run allowed by Urias this season, and it snapped a streak of 13 straight innings without allowing an earned run.

Rancho Cucamonga (26-21, 58-59) answered immediately. With two outs in the top of the third and Casio Grider on first, Aaron Miller jacked a two-run bomb to right field to give the Quakes a 2-1 edge. The home run was Miller's 12th of the year and his second in three games.

It was nearly more for the Quakes. Tyler Ogle followed Miller's long ball with a double, but Ogle was thrown out trying to score on a single from Pratt Maynard to end the inning. 

Inland Empire (20-26, 45-71) took the lead right back in the home-half of the inning. Urias issued a leadoff walk to Alex Allbritton, who scored on an RBI double by Chad Hinshaw to tie the game at two. Later in the frame, Hinshaw scored an unearned run on a pssed ball to give the 66ers a 3-2 lead.

Rancho had eight hits compared to six for Inland Empire, but mustered only three runs. The Quakes got their leadoff man aboard in five of the first six innings, but only cashed in on Miller's homer in the third.

Dennis Raben continued his hot hitting for the 66ers with a solo home run to right-center in the sixth inning to make it 4-2. It was his 22nd of the year and his fifth in his last four games for Inland Empire.

Dan Tobik (3-6, 4.63) struck out a season-high eight batters for Inland Empire over seven innings to earn his third victory of the year.

Pratt Maynard made it a one-run game in the ninth inning with a bomb off of Inland Empire closer Mark Sappington. The home run was Maynard's first of the year and it gave him six hits over his past two games. However, Sappington retired the next two batters to give the Sixers a 4-3 victory. 

Close contests have been a hallmark of the season series before Rancho and Inland Empire this year. Thursday's game was the 10th one-run game between the teams in 2014. Fifteen of the 19 games between the teams have been decided by three runs or fewer.

Rancho will try to rebound in the second game of the series on Friday night. The Quakes send the red-hot Jharel Cotton (5-8, 4.72) to the mound against Inland Empire righty Trevor Foss (2-0, 4.96). First pitch from San Manuel Stadium is at 7:05 pm and the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports AM 1350 starting with the LoanMart Pregame Report at 6:50 pm.

Rancho returns home on August 12 for a seven-game home stand starting with three games against the San Jose Giants. Tuesday, August 12 is a Healthy RC Recycle Tuesday! Bring 10 CRV-eligible bottles and cans to the ballpark and receive a free club-level ticket thanks to the City of Rancho Cucamonga and the Healthy RC Program! Wednesday, August 13 is a Terra Vista Animal Hospital Bark in the Ballpark! Bring your four-legged friend to the game for just $3, with proceeds going to the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter. Thursday, August 14, is a Thirsty Thursday! Get 24-oz. Pepsi products and 16-oz. domestic drafts for just $2 while 16-oz. premium drafts, wine, champagne and margaritas are only $3 thanks to Bernards Construction! Tickets are still available by calling (909) 481-5000 or online at rcquakes.com. We hope to see you at LoanMart Field for the next home stand! Go Quakes!