April 29th, 2012 at 6:45 pm 
by Ron Cervenka Although the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are off to a rough 10-15 start thus far in the 2012 season (4.5 GB), they have had their moments and Sunday was one of those moments as Quakes right hander Andres Santiago tossed 6.2 scoreless innings to lead the Quakes to a 6-0 shutout of the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres). Santiago allowed only two hits while striking out a career high 11 and walking none to earn his second win of the season (against one loss) improving his ERA to an excellent 2.22.
Andres Santiago struck out a career high 11 batters en route to his second win of the season. (Photo credit www.rcquakes.com)
Santiago was relieved in the seventh inning by right hander Scott McGough who also pitched well in his 1.1 inning of work allowing no runs and only one hit with a strikeout and no walks. And though not a save situation, Quakes right-handed closer Logan Bawcom continued his dominance of the Cal League by striking out the side in the bottom of the 9th to secure the shutout.
The Quakes finally broke out of their offensive slump on Sunday as well, gathering a season high14 hits including six doubles. Designated Hitter Austin Gallagher led the hit parade going 3 for 5 with a double, 3 RBIs and a run scored. First Baseman Chris Jacobs also went 3 for 5 while third baseman C.J. Retherford continued his hot hitting going 2 for 4, as did right fielder Nick Akins.
After 26 straight days that included one rainout and a subsequent doubleheader and coming off of a grueling 2-5 road trip, the Quakes finally get their first day off of the season on Monday before beginning a six-game home stand at the Epicenter.
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The starters with Quakes are an interesting group and a very young group.
Andres Santiago, 22, gave no indication last year with the Quakes that he would emerge as he has so far this year. Andres was a 16th round pick way back in 2007. A couple of impressive stats this year: 2.22 ERA and a 29/9 strikeout to walk ratio. Scouts haven’t indicated what his ceiling is as he is not ranked in our top 20 prospects.
Chris Reed, 21, a first round pick is starting to get acclimated to starting after being drafted while he was a reliever. A couple of interesting stats: 1.14 WHIP, 32/11 strikeout to walk ratio. He has pitched 7 innings in each of his last two starts.Chris projects as a 2/3 MLB starter.
Angel Sanchez, 22, was picked up as a non drafted free agent. He has had a slow start after impressing with the Loons last year, unexpectedly. He is projected as a 2/3 MLB starting pitcher.
Garrett Gould, 20, a second round pick, is looking for consistency. An interesting stat: 40/8 strikeout to walk ratio. Garrett projects as a 3/4 MLB starting pitcher.
Zach Lee, 20, was a first round pick. Interesting stats: 1.17 WHIP, 30/4 strikeout to walk ratio. Projects as a 1/2 MLB starter.