The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes dropped a narrow 6-5 decision to the Inland Empire 66ers in the California League series finale on Sunday evening at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino, Calif.
The Quakes started strong, with Jaxon Willits legging out a bunt single on the first pitch and John Wimmer doubling him home. Gabriel Davalillo followed with a single that brought Wimmer home, giving Rancho Cucamonga an early 2-0 lead.
In response, the 66ers quickly tied the game as Hayden Yost hit a leadoff home run in the first inning. Starlin Aguilar’s fielder’s choice evened the score further, and Yost’s sacrifice fly in the third inning put Inland Empire ahead 3-2.
Midway through the game, Rancho Cucamonga regained the lead at 4-3 on a two-run single by Angel Arredondo with two outs and runners in scoring position. However, the 66ers answered back with a leadoff home run from Henry Ford in the fourth inning, followed by RBI singles and doubles from Ryan Wynn and Dervy Ventura, building a 6-4 advantage.
The Quakes chipped away in the sixth as Jeffery Heard reached base and eventually scored on a single by Willits, pulling the team within a run. Bullpen pitchers Angelo Smith and Alex Martinez then held the 66ers scoreless in the late innings, though Rancho Cucamonga stranded runners in scoring position and could not tie the game.
With the tying run aboard after Gabriel Davalillo was hit by a pitch in the final moments, the Quakes could not capitalize as Inland Empire secured the 6-5 win.
Rancho Cucamonga is set to return to Morongo Field on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. to open a six-game series against the Ontario Tower Buzzers.
CSB Take
Despite a promising start and key timely hits from players like Angel Arredondo and Jaxon Willits, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes fell just short in their series finale against the Inland Empire 66ers. The bullpen’s solid work kept the game within reach through the late innings, demonstrating resilience. As the Quakes head into their upcoming series against the Ontario Tower Buzzers, focusing on late-inning execution and converting scoring opportunities will be critical to securing victories in close contests.
Source: Original report
