For the second time this season and for the first time at home, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes took on the Modesto Nuts (Mariners). In their first go around at John Thurman Field in Modesto in April, the Quakes took 2-of-3 games, however, the Nuts would return the favor at LoanMart Field this time around over the weekend. 

Game-1 got off to a good start and appeared to be going in the Quakes favor. They scored three in the third, thanks to a wild pitch and a two RBI single from suddenly hot-hitting shortstop Jeter Downs. Quakes right-hander Edwin Uceta dominated the sub-.500 Nuts through five, allowing only one run. However, things got messy in the sixth as four Rancho errors gifted Modesto two runs, thereby sending Uceta’s great start into a tailspin that would only get worse in the coming innings. 

Right-hander Connor Strain took over for Uceta to get the final out of the sixth, but would give up the go ahead run the next inning. However, the worst of the damage came in the eighth inning when left-hander Wes Helsabeck gave up six runs on five hits that the Quakes offense was unable to overcome. 

When all was said and done, the Quakes left six base runners on base and did not record even one extra base hit. In fact, they only managed to get four hits on the night while posting a miserable five errors. Strain was tagged with the loss in the 10-3 run-away while Modesto right-handed reliever Collin Kober picked up the win. 

Having witnesses the game personally, I noticed that the team didn’t really seem to have the usual urgency or fire that they normally play with. I’d even go as far as saying they were lollygaggers. However, they were kind enough to kick things back into gear for game-2, which also happened to be the Quakes annual Star Wars night.

Dressed in white Storm Trooper uniforms to take on the Hutts (get it?), the force was definitely with them, even as they battled through periodic pockets of rain. Although the “Hutts” got off to a quick start against Quakes right-hander Gerardo Carrillo scoring four runs in the first, Rancho’s offense was ready for the challenge. They scored one of their own in the first on a Donovan Casey solo shot to right center. In the second, they continued to close in on Modesto, scoring one on an RBI double by newcomer right fielder Eric Peterson and another thanks to an error by Modesto’s catcher on a double steal attempt. 

Rancho catcher Connor Wong drove in the game-tying run in third with an RBI single, with Peterson driving in Wong with his second of three doubles on the night. Peterson was himself driven in on a sacrifice fly by left fielder Starling Heredia.

For good measure, Downs drove in three more runs with a bases-clearing double in the eighth, putting the Quakes up 9-4 for right-hander Max Gamboa, who would close out the game by striking out the side in the ninth. 

For game-3, either the Quakes used up all of their offense in game-2 or Modesto’s pitching was just that good. Modesto right-hander Logan Gilbert went seven strong innings, giving up only two hits while striking out 11. He was followed on the mound by right-hander Joey Gerber, who pitched the eighth and ninth innings and giving up just one hit. 

This is certainly not to say that Rancho had a bad game though. Left-hander Leo Crawford with his unorthodox high-leg-kick delivery went six strong innings, giving up just one run while striking out eight. Right-hander Ryan Moseley gave up a run in his two innings of work in relief of Crawford, but because of the severe lack of offense on behalf of the Quakes, the two runs were enough to give the Nuts the eventual 2-0 win. 

Although the Quakes lost the series, the standings didn’t move much as all of the other teams in the California League were rained out both Saturday and Sunday.

The Quakes have Monday off, but they will continue their homestand on Tuesday night when they take on the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres). Tuesday is recycle Tuesday where fans can bring in 10 CRV-eligible recyclables in exchange for a club level seat. Wednesday is bark in the park, where fans can bring their four leg Quakes fans to enjoy a game. Thursday will be another Thirsty Thursday with discounts on adult beverages and soft drinks throughout the night. 

As they say: Minor Leagues – Major Fun!

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