The Visalia Rawhide came back from a run down in the bottom of the eighth with three runs for a 4-2 win over Inland Empire on Saturday night at Valley Strong Ballpark. Two walks, two singles and a GIDP brought in the deciding runs as the Rawhide (10-16) got strong outings from four pitchers and made the most of just five base hits.
Starter Ricardo Yan went 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on three hits with no walks and eight strikeouts. Those three hits were surrendered to the first three batters of the game, who went single-double-double to put the 66ers up 2-0. Yan then retired the next 17 batters in a row, but left the game trailing and got a no-decision.
Three relievers combined to shutout Inland Empire over the final 3 1/3 innings with Axel Andueza (W, 1-1) getting the win. Andueza pitched a scoreless eighth inning and allowed one hit while striking out one.
SS Jose Fernandez brought in the tying run in the eighth when he laid down a bunt with runners on first and second. Fernandez reached base safely before IE first baseman Dylan Phillips threw the ball away to allow Juan Corniel to come around and score.
Christian Cerda followed with a single that brought in the go-ahead run and, with still no outs, Julio Carrion grounded into a double play that brought Fernandez in to make it 4-2.
Inland Empire starter Leonard Garcia didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning and left the game with a 2-1 lead after six innings. The 19-year old lefty gave up a run on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts.
The 66ers have won three of the first five games of the six-game series. The final game is Sunday at 12:05PM.
SATURDAY SCORES
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – 4
LAKE ELSINORE – 3
Box
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – 10
LAKE ELSINORE – 0
Box
Story
