The Dodgers Advanced Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are back to their winning ways on the road as they just completed a three-game sweep against the Lake Elsinore Storm, the San Diego Padres Advanced Single-A affiliate.

The Quakes started the season with a 5-2 record, playing seven straight games on the road before their home opener. Their opening weekend was slightly disastrous as they were swept by the Lancaster JetHawks (Rockies) in games that were either very close at the end or games where they were ahead and eventually let the lead get away from them. 

In each game of the series, the Quakes took an early lead and never looked back … except for a late innings tie in game-3, that is.

Game-1 of the three-game series saw the Quakes put up four runs in the top of the first inning on two two-run home runs; one from Quakes catcher Connor Wong and the other courtesy of third baseman Devin Mann. 

The two home runs would be all the Quakes would need, as Lake Elsinore was only able to score one run in the bottom of the second off Quakes starter Edwin Uceta. 

Uceta did not qualify for the win, having only gone 4.1 innings. Quakes new right-hander Elio Serrano was credited with the win in his first game with the team, going 1.2 innings in relief of Uceta.

Hard-throwing 6′-3″ right-hander Ryan Moseley eared his first hold of the young season, with fellow right-hander Jordan Sheffield picking up his third save of the season. 

The Quakes waited to spoil the Storm’s fun in game-2 of the series, not scoring until the second inning this time around. Right fielder Donovan Casey got the party started, taking advantage of a Storm error before third baseman Marcus Chiu slugged his second homer of the year, a two-run shot to right to put the Quakes up 3-0. 

In the fourth the Quakes were at it again, this time scoring four runs. Left fielder Starling Heredia got things started with an RBI single to left, followed by an RBI single by center fielder Brayan Morales. To put the icing on the cake, shortstop Jeter Downs drove in two on a pop-up single to second and extending the Quakes lead to 7-0. First baseman Nick Yarnall joined in on the fun in the top of the fifth, driving in the eighth run of the game for Rancho on a base hit to center.

The bottom of the fifth was the final inning for Quake starter Bryan Warzek and what a start it was. The Quakes left-hander tossed five no-hit innings, while walking four and striking out eight to earn the win. Right-handed newcomer Reza Aleaziz took over for Warzek in the sixth inning and went one inning in his Quakes debut, allowing two hits and two runs, both unearned. Left-handers Wes Helsabeck and Logan Salow closed out the final three innings, allowing a combined four hits, with Salow allowing a Storm run in the ninth. But that would be all the future Padres hopefuls, as the Rancho went on to win it, 8-3. 

The Quakes took an early 2-0 lead in the series finale on Wednesday night on a solo shot by Quakes outfielder Carlos Rincon followed by an RBI single from off the bat of second baseman Brandon Montgomery. But the real story on Wednesday was the rehab start by 39-year-old Dodgers left-hander Rich Hill, who was nothing short of sensational. All Hill did was toss four shutout innings, allowing only two infield singles (one on a bunt), while walking none and striking out eight. 

The Storm would tie the game in their half of the eighth, scoring two runs off of Quakes “reliever” Gerardo Carrillo, who was originally scheduled to start the game but for Hill’s rehab assignment. The right-hander pitched into the ninth, having pitched 4.2 innings. Things got a bit dicey for Carrillo when, with two outs, he loaded the bases, putting the tying run on second base and the winning run on first, forcing Quakes first-year manager Mark Kertenian to once again call on Sheffield to shut the game down. He did just that, getting Storm designated hitter Esteury Ruiz to line out to short to end the game. Sheffield earned the save – his second in three nights – to give the Quakes the 4-2 win and the series sweep.

With the three wins, the Quakes are now tied for first place with the Storm at 8-6 in the Cal League South Division as they head back to Rancho Cucamonga for a three-game series against the San Jose Giants (Giants). The homestead begins with Thirsty Thursday, followed by a Ferris Buehler-themed Walker Buehler bobblehead giveaway on Friday night, and lastly a player jersey auction and postgame fireworks show on Saturday night.

Quakes Baseball – Minor Leagues, Major Fun.

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