For the second time in as many days the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes scored double-digit wins over the Lancaster JetHawks at The Hangar in Lancaster. Also in as many days they used the long ball to do so.

On the heels of Kyle Garlick’s remarkable three-home run game on Monday night (including an inside-the-park home run), Messrs. Yusniel Diaz, Julian Leon and Erick Mejia went deep for the Quakes on Tuesday night to give Rancho it’s third consecutive win.

Perhaps most notable about the combined eight home runs in two games are the two hit by Cuban star Yusniel Diaz – one in his last at-bat in the ninth inning of Monday night’s game and the other in his first at-bat on Tuesday. Prior to Monday, Diaz had been struggling a bit at the plate – not exactly what the Dodgers wanted to see after signing him to a $15.5 million deal last November. But by all appearances, he has found his stroke again, going 1 for 4 on Monday and 2 for 5 on Tuesday.

After going homerless in his first 11 games with the Quakes, Yusniel Diaz has hit one in each of the last two games. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

In addition to flexing their offensive muscle, the Quakes starting pitching has also stepped up its game. After a strong outing by newcomer Andrew Sopko on Monday, Dodgers 2014 first-round draft pick Grant Holmes was outstanding on Tuesday, allowing only three runs on four hits while walking five and striking out six in his five innings of work to improve his record to 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA.

“I felt pretty good. I kind of lost control of my fastball there in the last (fifth) inning, but other than that I felt pretty good,” said Holmes after the game.

In spite of walking five batters on Tuesday night, Dodgers top pitching prospect Grant Holmes was able to pitch out of several jams. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

During a long second inning when Diaz, Leon and Mejia hit their home runs in what would end up being a six-run inning, Holmes actually had to walk down to the Quakes bullpen and throw to keep his arm loose. Asked about the Quakes strong offense, he chuckled with his answer.

“Almost a little too much. I had to wait a little bit between innings, but I’ll take it.”

As for the adjustments he’s had to make coming from the Great Lakes Loons of the Low Single-A Midwest League to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the Advanced Single-A Cal League, it’s no surprise that it’s the weather that Holmes spoke about.

“I want to say the first 10 or 12 games [at Great Lakes] were pretty cold,” Holmes said. “Up here it’s pretty good temperature, good weather to pitch in. I’ve enjoyed it.”

In addition to the three home runs on Tuesday, the Quakes had a season-high 15 hits, topping the 14 hits they collected on Monday. Outfielder Andrew Toles continues to swing a hot bat, going 3 for 5 on the night, as did first baseman Tim Locastro and Leon.

The Quakes wrap up their three-game series with the JetHawks (and their seven game road trip) on Wednesday night with first pitch set for 6:35 pm. Right-hander Tommy Bergjans (1-0, 7.45 ERA) will take the mound for the Quakes, opposing JetHawks left-hander Evan Grills (0-0, 5.40 ERA).