As can only happen at High Desert’s Heritage Field, the Coors Field of the California League, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes pulled a rabbit out of their hats with an exciting 11-10 win over the Mavericks (Rangers) on Thursday night.

Known for its dry desert air and insanely high winds, Heritage Field gave up a season-high six home runs to the Quakes, none bigger than the eventual game-winner – an opposite field solo shot aided by a typical Adelanto 20-MPH+ wind blowing straight out to left field – by Dodgers top prospect Cody Bellinger in the top of the ninth. It was Bellinger’s team-leading 17th round-tripper of the season, third most in the Cal League. It was also his 64th RBI of the season, also third most in the league.

Bellinger’s ninth-inning opposite field game-winning home run on Thursday night was his 17th of the season – third best in the California League. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Also homering in the contest for the Quakes were Joey Curletta (8), Erisbel Arruebarrena twice (2), Jacob Scavuzzo (4) and Brandon Dixon (3). In fact, eight of the Quakes 11 runs came via the long ball.

The Quakes power surge almost went for naught when they squandered what was once a 10-5 lead in the sixth inning. But as Quakes fans know all-to-well, no lead is safe at the wind tunnel known as Heritage Field. All five of those Mavericks runs were charged to Quakes starter Chase De Jong, who was making only his second start since being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays organization on July 2. De Jong lasted only 3-plus innings giving up the five runs on six hits while striking out one and walking one. He was replaced in the fourth inning after facing three batters without recording an out.

Fortunately for De Jong, the Quakes bullpen bailed him out from suffering his second loss in a week… well, sort of. De Jong was replaced by right-hander Joe Broussard who pitched three scoreless innings, followed by Rob Rogers who allowed one run in his one inning of work. Where things got dicey was when Victor Araujo relieved Rogers in the eighth inning. Araujo allowed four runs (two earned) on four hits and was replaced by Caleb Dirks after only two-thirds of an inning with the tying run on third base. Dirks, who was also acquired on July 2 but from the Atlanta Braves organization, promptly gave up a single to allow the inherited runner to score, thereby blowing the save and costing Broussard the win. But Bellinger’s dramatic two-out oppo home run in the top of the ninth put the Quakes back out in front 11-10 to stay, as Dirks retired the Mavs in order in the bottom of the ninth for the so-called vulture win.

Arruebarrena’s two home runs were his first since joining the Quakes on July 3 after serving a 30-day suspension for what the Dodgers called “repeated failures to comply with his contract.” The suspension was initially for the remainder of the 2015 season but was reduced to 30 days after an appeal was filed with MLB by Arruebarrena’s attorney – a reduction that was ultimately agreed to by the Dodgers. Since joining the Quakes Arruebarrena is 15 for 49 (.306) with two doubles, two home runs and 5 RBIs. Defensively, he has played six games at second base, four at shortstop (his natural position) and one at third base. He has committed only two errors (one at second and one at short) in 42 total chances for a combined .952 fielding percentage.

With his two home runs on Thursday night, Arruebarrena is now hitting .306 since joining the Quakes on July 3. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

With the win the Quakes are now 10-10 in the second half and trail the first place Lancaster JetHawks by two games. They won the first half with a 41-29 record – 3.5 games ahead of the second place Mavericks – thereby guaranteeing themselves a spot in the 2015 Cal League playoffs.

The Quakes are looking to sweep the Mavs on Friday evening at High Desert before returning home to LoanMart Field on Saturday night to begin a four-game series with the perennial Cal League North-leading Visalia Rawhide.