Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. – The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (25-34, 61-64) had plenty of chances to pull even in the late stages on Saturday night at Morongo Field, but the Lake Elsinore Storm (23-36, 62-63) thwarted them at every turn to hand them a 4-2 defeat.
Right away, the Quakes found a way into the run column in their first turn at bat. Jaxon Willits and Gabriel Davalillo drew walks, ultimately placing runners on the corners for John Wimmer. He proceeded to poke a single into right field, bringing Willits home to hand Rancho Cucamonga a 1-0 edge.
Two innings later, Lake Elsinore came up with a counter. Joe Tiroly launched a solo home run, evening the contest at one ahead of the middle frames.
Rancho Cucamonga did not wait long to mount a response as they wrestled the lead back in the bottom of the fourth. Marlon Quintero singled, and Lucas Ramirez doubled, setting up two runners in scoring position. Samil Dishmey was then hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Willits, and he immediately cashed. His sacrifice fly plated Quintero, lifting the Quakes in front 2-1.
However, their advantage did not last long. Tiroly belted another home run to open the top of the fifth, leveling the score at two. The very next inning, Nu’u Contrades laced an RBI double to propel Lake Elsinore on top 3-2, and Tiroly added on shortly thereafter, contributing a run-scoring single to give the Storm an insurance run before the final third.
Rancho Cucamonga manufactured runners into scoring position in each of their last three trips to the plate, putting both the tying and go-ahead runs on in their last two as well. Nevertheless, Lake Elsinore had an answer for everything thrown their way. Their bullpen clutched up and stranded five runners on base over that stretch, locking down the narrow victory.
The Quakes return to Morongo Field one final time in 2026 for their series finale against the Lake Elsinore Storm on Sunday at 5:00 PM. RHP C.J. Gray gets the nod for Rancho Cucamonga opposite RHP Luis Maracara for Lake Elsinore. In addition to Wyndham Sunday Fun Day at the ballpark, kids can run the bases after the game courtesy of San Antonio Regional Hospital.