The Inland Empire 66ers used a 7-run inning to break open a close game and went on to win 12-6 over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in the finale of the six-game series at San Manuel Stadium. The 66ers earned the series win, four games to two, and stretched their second-half lead in the South division to two games over the Quakes, Visalia and Lake Elsinore.
Trailing 3-2 going to the bottom of the fifth, IE rallied for seven runs, taking the lead back when Johan Macias hit into a fielder’s choice that brought in two runs. The offense kept rolling and the 66ers added on, highlighted by a two-run single by Mike Peabody. The Quakes helped out by issuing three walks, two wild pitches and a HBP.
Peabody went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Jadiel Sanchez was 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.
Fernando Guanare (W, 3-0) started and went five innings for IE, giving up three runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Sadrac Franco threw two scoreless innings out of the bullpen with one hit, one walk and four strikeouts.
Rehabbing MLBer Chris Taylor homered for Rancho Cucamonga. Josue De Paula had three singles to lead the Quakes’ 13-hit attack.
Inland Empire (9-6) has a two-game lead in the South division and will travel to Stockton after the four-day break that starts Monday. Rancho Cucamonga will host Modesto.
SUNDAY SCORES
LAKE ELSINORE – 9
VISALIA – 5
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