Photo: Steve Cummings/CalLeagueHeat.com
A low-scoring affair in Visalia was decided on two runs driven in on sacrifice flies, both by Rancho Cucamonga’s RF Yusniel Diaz, as the Quakes topped the Rawhide 2-1 Saturday night. A packed house of 3,025 at Recreation Park saw just eight hits combined as five Rancho Cucamonga pitchers throttled the Rawhide offense to make the two runs stand up.
Diaz, the Dodgers’ #6 prospect per Baseball America, went 0-for-2 at the plate, but was able to drive in CF DJ Peters who doubled ahead of him in the fourth inning. It was the first hit of the night for the Quakes against Bo Takahashi, who went six strong inning but got no run support. Diaz’ second sac fly came in the sixth.
RHP Dean Kremer started for the Quakes and battled through 2 2/3 innings allowing a hit and three walks, but no runs. RHP Andrew Istler (W, 2-2) came on to get the last out of the third inning and was solid over 3 1/3 innings, allowing one hit, no runs, no walks and striking out five to get the win.
2B Daniel Lockhart went 2-for-4 for the Rawhide and SS Sergio Alcantara blasted his second homerun of the season for Visalia’s only run.
The four-game series continues Sunday with Rancho Cucamonga’s Mitchell White facing Visalia’s Ryan Atkinson.
