Box Score
ADELANTO, Calif. – The 66ers took advantage of eight walks from High Desert starter Adam Harben and rallied for eight runs in the fifth inning to overcome a 7-1 deficit and seal their largest comeback win of the season with a 13-8 triumph Sunday afternoon.
Scott Van Slyke’s first grand slam of the season keyed the eight-run inning, the most runs in an inning for Inland Empire on the season. Van Slyke’s grand slam was the second of the season for Inland Empire after Tommy Giles hit one at this ballpark on May 7.
Trailing 7-1 in the fifth after hitting into three double plays in the first four frames, Preston Mattingly, Adolfo Gonzalez and Trayvon Robinson each walked to load the bases for Van Slyke. The right fielder hit a fly ball off the scoreboard in left that was initially ruled in-play for a double by the umpires, but then called a home run after a meeting between the crew.
Edward Paredes replaced Harben after the slam and Pedro Baez reached on a costly error from Edilio Colina at second. The Sixers (22-28) added four unearned runs to cap the eight-run inning on a walk (four in the inning), two singles, a double and a sacrifice fly.
Elian Herrera went 4-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and two runs and would have had five hits if Tyson Gillies didn’t make a spectacular catch on a deep drive to right center.
The Mavericks (33-17) took the lead in the third, scoring five runs off Steven Johnson. Joe Dunigan, in his first game back from a groin injury, hit his 14th home run of the year. Amazingly, eight of his ten hits against the Sixers have been homers in just eight games.
Johnson allowed 8 runs on 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings while walking 1 and striking out 1.
The Inland Empire bullpen was outstanding, allowing just one hit in 4 2/3 innings. Jake McCarter (1-0) picked up the win with 2 2/3 hitless innings. The right-hander has allowed just one hit in 11 1/3 scoreless innings since debuting with the 66ers May 14.
The Mavericks loaded the bases off Greg Miller in the ninth before the lefthander stuck out Carlos Peguero and Alez Liddi grounded out to end the ballgame.
Harben allowed 5 runs on 5 hits along with the 8 walks in 4 innings. It was the most walks by an opposing pitcher since High Desert’s Tommy Marx walked seven in 2003. The nine base on balls drawn by the 66ers were also a season-high.
The 66ers and Mavericks resume hostilities Monday at 7:05 p.m. with RHP Chris Withrow (3-4, 5.65) to face High Desert’s RHP Steven Hensley (1-0, 5.73) on the hill. Inland Empire returns home Tuesday, June 9 to host the Lancaster JetHawks for Two Dollar Tuesday with all seats (excluding Executive Box) just $2 along with $2 beers and $2 parking. For tickets or more information visit www.66ers.com, the 66ers box office at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino or call (909) 888-9922.
