Amazing Opening Night for 66ers’ 16 Inning Game

SAN BERNARDINO>> On Thursday, April 6, the Inland Empire 66ers faced off against the San Jose Giants for their 2017 home opener at the San Manuel Stadium. Last season, the team had a 48-92 overall record and finished 5th out of 8 teams in the California League. The 66ers are a Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. One of the Angels’ top prospects and the youngest player currently on the roster, Jaime Barria, was named the starting pitcher for the night and successfully pitched five innings before being replaced by returning pitcher Garrett Nuss. Early in the first inning, the 66ers drove in a run and led the Giants 1-0. Later in the fourth inning, Jared Walsh homered deep to field which brought the 66ers up 2-0 over the Giants. In the top seventh inning, the Giants rallied back and brought in three runs to take the lead over the 66ers but was short lived due to a homerun by the Angels’ other top prospect, Matt Thaiss, which brought the score even at 3-3. The score stayed even for an extra seven innings when finally, in the bottom of the 16th inning, Michael Hermosillo scored on a walk-off which gave the 66ers a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Giants. The perfect 70 degree baseball weather brought out many fans to the game to support the hometown team. Both of the teams’ mascots, Slick and Bernie interacted with many of the younger members of the crowd, as well as participated in the mascot dash; making the game the perfect Thursday night family event. In addition to other fans present at the game, Councilman Fred Shorett was also in attendance. During the upcoming coming weeks of the season, there will be many more special events and promotions for the 66ers, including a “Halfway to Halloween” celebration, and a Jim Abbott Bobblehead giveway.