Dodgers Farm: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Clinch 2025 California League South First Half Championship
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, celebrated their 2025 California League South Division First Half Championship after a dramatic 6-3 victory over the Inland Empire 66ers at San Bernardino. The win, fueled by Samuel Munoz’s clutch sixth-inning home run and Sterling Patick’s lights-out relief pitching, secured a playoff berth for the Quakes, who finished the first half with a 35-25 record. This marks their fourth postseason pursuit, following California League titles in 1994, 2015, and 2018. Manager John Shoemaker’s squad has dazzled with elite speed, timely hitting, and a dominant pitching staff, cementing their status as South Division champions.
The Quakes’ championship-clinching game on June 13 was a showcase of grit. After being tied 2-2 in the top of the sixth, Samuel Munoz launched his sixth home run of the season to give Rancho a 3-2 lead. The Quakes would add three more runs in the eighth inning for a final score of 6-3. The previous night’s 5-0 shutout over the 66ers, powered by Christian Zazueta’s gem, lowered the Quakes’ magic number to one, setting the stage for the clinch.
Standout Current Players
The Quakes’ offense, averaging 6.0 runs per game, has been sparked by three standout current players (as of June 13, 2025)—Eduardo Quintero, Jaron Elkins, and Samuel Munoz—who have delivered speed, versatility, and clutch production:
- Eduardo Quintero (OF): Quintero, a rising Dodgers prospect, hit .292 with a .375 on-base percentage in 57 games, scoring 44 runs and swiping 22 bases. His 15 doubles, 3 home runs, and 30 walks showcased his gap power and plate discipline. Quintero’s run in the June 13 clincher, driven in by Elkins’ sacrifice fly, highlighted his knack for sparking rallies from the top of the lineup.
- Jaron Elkins (INF/OF): Elkins, a versatile utility player, batted .278 with 4 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 55 games. His .365 on-base percentage, fueled by 26 walks, and 13 doubles made him a consistent run-producer. Elkins’ sacrifice fly in the clincher underscored his team-first approach, while his ability to play infield and outfield added lineup flexibility.
- Samuel Munoz (OF/1B): Munoz, the hero of the clincher, hit .289 with 6 home runs and 43 RBIs in 56 games. His .435 slugging percentage, driven by 12 doubles and his game-winning June 13 homer, highlighted his power. Munoz’s 10 stolen bases and defensive versatility across outfield and first base made him a cornerstone of the Quakes’ attack.
Standout Pitchers
The Quakes’ pitching staff, with a 3.50 team ERA (best in the league) and 620 strikeouts in 550 innings, has been a force. Three current pitchers (as of June 13, 2025) have stood out:
- Christian Zazueta (RHP): The California League Pitcher of the Month for May, Zazueta went 7-2 with a 2.65 ERA in 14 starts, striking out 86 in 71.1 innings (10.8 K/9). His June 12 masterpiece against the 66ers—5 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 6 strikeouts, 1 walk—showcased his fastball-slider dominance. Zazueta’s 1.12 WHIP and 1.5 BB/9 reflect his elite control.
- Sterling Patick (RHP): Patick, a hybrid starter-reliever, posted a 5-2 record with 4 saves and a 2.85 ERA in 22 appearances (6 starts). His 59 strikeouts in 63 innings (8.4 K/9) and 1.20 WHIP made him a dual-threat arm. Patick’s two scoreless innings in the June 13 clincher, with 2 strikeouts, proved his clutch reliability.
Looking Ahead
With a 35-25 record and the First Half South Division title secured, the Quakes now prepare for a September playoff run, aiming for their fourth California League championship. Their league-leading 133 stolen bases, 6.0 runs per game, and 3.50 ERA make them a powerhouse against foes like the Fresno Grizzlies and Lake Elsinore Storm.
Quintero, Elkins, and Munoz, backed by Zazueta and Patick will lead Rancho into their next homestand starting June 17. This prospect-rich roster promises more thrilling moments as they chase postseason glory.
