Quakes begin Cal League title defense with 4-2 defeat

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- The Quakes opened their California League title defense with a 4-2 loss to the Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres). The game was played with periodic rain falling on the crowd.

The Storm, who had gone 0 for 15 at Rancho Cucamonga in 2015, got off to a good start when Franchy Cordero and Luis Urias both singled.

Javier Guerra doubled in both runners.  After a walk and a strikeout, Fernando Perez doubled to right to drive in one and then the Storm scored their fourth run in the first on a sacrifice fly.

The Quakes answered back with single runs in the first and second inning.  Andrew Toles scored on Tim Locastro's single to plate the Quakes first run in 2016 and in the next inning, Matt Beaty scored on a sacrifice fly.

Opening night starter, Right-hander Trevor Oaks made five starts for the Quakes in 2015 with a 3-0 record and 3.04 ERA in 23 innings.  Oaks settled down after giving up four runs, he went on to faced14 batters in the next four innings. Oaks finished with four runs allowed, five hits, two walks and four strikeouts.

Dodger infielder Howie Kendrick started his rehab assignment and was the designated hitter for the Quakes.  Kendrick was 0-for-3 with a ground out to second, two strikeouts and a hit by pitch.  Kendrick did try to steal second but was thrown out, he appeared to run well.

Quakes 19-year-old centerfielder Yusniel Diaz made in U.S. pro debut and went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts.