Howie Kendrick, Grant Holmes play well in Quakes 3-2 loss

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- Grant Holmes made a successful California League debut on a cool night at LoanMart Field despite the Quakes dropping the game to the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres) 3-2.  Dodger second baseman Howie Kendrick also played well in his third and perhaps last rehab game.

"I don't know yet, I don't what is going on, that is why I got my stuff with me," Kendrick added. "We'll see what happens, I can't say yes or no [that Saturday was my final rehab game]."

Kendrick was pleased with his 2-for-4, seven-inning outing.

"I felt good, probably about as good as I can be coming back; I feel like my timing is there," he said. "It is just fun to get back on the field."

Grant Holmes' first start in 2016 regular season started off with a leadoff  single.  An error on a stolen base attempt followed by a walk made it first and third and no outs.   The Storm would take the 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly.

The Quakes tied in the bottom of the first, outfielder Andrew Toles singled, stole second and went to third on a passed ball. Kendrick singled to right to drive him home.

Holmes, the Dodgers No.1 pick in 2014, pitched effectively over the next four innings, finishing his outing with one run allowed (unearned), two hits, two walks and striking out five.  His fastball sat between 91-92 MPH, while hitting 94 mph a few times.

Kendrick would start a third inning rally to give the Quakes the lead.  Kendrick singled and stole second. Kendrick moved to third on a wild pitch and then scored when Matt Beaty singled.

After Holmes was removed, the Storm would score two runs in the sixth inning, the first on a sacrifice fly and the second on a fielder's choice that would provide the winning margin.

The Quakes could not rally, their best chance coming with first and third and no outs in the eighth inning but they would be unable to push across the tying run.  The Quakes went 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.