Ryan Falla
Dodgers legend and future Hall Of Famer Clayton Kershaw completed his first rehab start of the year with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, going three innings with 5Ks and 1ER on the night. His outing was relatively easy, with just two hits and a walk by the opposing offense. Overall his repertoire appeared rather sharp; a second-inning strikeout would see Kershaw touch 90mph with his fastball while the offspeed, most notably the curveball, hung in the low 70s as the Low A opposition struggled to put wood on the ball. Following Kershaw’s three rehab innings would be Patrick Copen‘s 4.2IP outing, securing the win on a 6K performance. Joseilyn Gonzalez (0.1IP) and Carson Hobbs (1IP) would follow with scoreless appearances to end the night on a 6-2 victory for the home team.
The Game Details
Starting catcher Jesus Galiz sparked the Quakes with an RBI double in the 4th, putting the Quakes on the board to tie the game at 1-1 after a first-inning sac fly by Inland Empire’s Anthony Scull. Star prospect Josue De Paula came away with three hits in four tries with an RBI and two runs scored, raising his OPS to .828 on the year. Fellow standout prospect Logan Wagner (.948 OPS), who recently received a Cal League Player of the Week award, contributed to the win with an RBI and a run scored on one hit. Offensively it was a strong night with eight Quakes coming away with at least one hit.
A Great Night
A sold-out crowd provided an electric atmosphere as a mob of fans parked outside the clubhouse exit hoping for a moment with Clayton Kershaw following his outing. There are few better nights to be at the ballpark than when a Hall of Famer graces with his presence, especially on a Minor League night. For those 4,854 present, this Wednesday night victory in the middle of June would be one to remember.
