Rawhide Drop Heartbreaker in Championship Series Opener
VISALIA, CA - Though Visalia took an early lead behind a dominant Riley Smith, it was the powerful bats of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes that prevailed in the opening game of the California League Championship Series in a 5-4 final.
VISALIA, CA - Though Visalia took an early lead behind a dominant
Visalia (3-3) took a 3-0 lead, all started by a
Meanwhile, Rawhide starter
Rancho Cucamonga (4-1) put together a three-run inning, though Smith nearly escaped unhurt. The Quakes had runners on the corners and one out when Donavan Casey hit a slow roller to third.
But
The Quakes took the lead in the top of the sixth, seizing advantage of a Drew Ellis error to load the bases with one out. With a 3-1 count on
Rancho Cucamonga pulled starter
Varhso and Hernandez both put up multi-hit efforts for the Rawhide and Anfernee Grier provided a RBI. Smith with six innings for Visalia in the no decision, giving up four runs, three earned, on just four hits while striking out eight, one shy of his career-high.
Visalia will play their final home game of the season tomorrow night with first pitch at 7 PM, trailing in the best-of-five Championship Series 1-0. Tickets are available now on rawhidebaseball.com.
The Visalia Rawhide are a professional baseball team in the Class A Advanced California League and are the only professional sports team in Tulare and Kings counties. The team has been an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since 2007 and is entering their 72nd year of play in 2018. The Rawhide renovated their home at Recreation Ballpark in 2009 and have since become the largest gathering of individuals in Tulare County, having set an attendance record for the seventh time in the past eight seasons in 2017. In 2018, the Rawhide look to continue their reputation for hosting competitive baseball while providing affordable family entertainment. To be a part of the 2018 Visalia Rawhide season, please contact the Visalia Rawhide Ticket Office at 559.732.4433, visit us online at rawhidebaseball.com, or follow us on Facebook (TheRawhide), Instagram (@VisaliaRawhide), and Twitter (@VisaliaRawhide).