Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. – Gavin Grahovac supplied the thump for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (22-33, 57-63) on Tuesday night at Morongo Field, launching two home runs in their 5-3 series-opening win over the Lake Elsinore Storm (22-33, 61-60).
Lake Elsinore turned to small ball in their first turn at bat, resulting in the game’s first run. Ty Harvey’s RBI groundout plated Jose Verdugo, handing the Storm a 1-0 edge.
However, Grahovac promptly flipped the scoreline in Rancho Cucamonga’s half of the frame. Jaxon Willits drew a walk, and the Angels' third-round pick popped a two-run home run off of Major League rehabber Nick Pivetta, firing the Quakes in front 2-1.
Dawson Willis circled the bases on a walk, two stolen bases, and a throwing error to level the contest at two in the top of the third, but once again, Grahovac came to Rancho Cucamonga’s rescue. He took Pivetta deep once again, belting a solo home run off the batter’s eye in center field, putting the Quakes back on top 3-2.
Nevertheless, the Storm pulled even again immediately. Nu’u Contrades led off the fourth with a home run, evening the score at three.
At that point, Rancho Cucamonga’s bullpen solved Lake Elsinore’s lineup. After surrendering the long ball, Victor Garcia locked in on the mound, keeping the Storm off the board throughout the remainder of his two-inning outing. Jakob Guardado entered in the sixth and continued that trend by tossing two spotless frames of his own, giving the bats a platform to restore their advantage.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Quakes sparked back to life at the dish and rallied for two runs, establishing a new lead. Joswa Lugo singled, and Gabriel Davalillo ripped a double, immediately positioning two runners in scoring position. Jeffery Heard capitalized on the situation, notching a base hit to bring Lugo in. Anyelo Marquez then supplied a sacrifice fly, upping their cushion to two heading into the final three frames.
Guardado exited after his second shutout inning, handing the ball to Angelo Smith to record the final six outs. He proceeded to collect them in short order, setting down the Storm with ease to hammer down the victory.
The Quakes look for their second straight win to begin the series on Wednesday at 6:30 PM. RHP Trey Gregory-Alford heads to the hill for Rancho Cucamonga opposite RHP Cameron Nohos for Lake Elsinore. As part of Raising Cane’s Pups in the Park at Morongo Field, fans can enjoy the night’s action alongside their four-legged friends.