What did we learn from 66ers-Quakes series?

The Sixers took three of four games in the series with the Quakes, their second series win at the Epicenter this season.

Here’s what we found out:

Charlie Haeger can pitch in A ball. Haeger, the Dodgers’ knuckleballer who has been with the Sixers on a rehab assignment (plantar fasciitis) working with pitching coach Charlie Hough, allowed five earned runs in 16 innings in three starts, while striking out 12. Will that translate back to the Dodgers? Who knows? A ball players have no experience or preparation for a knuckleballer. Hough said at the beginning of Haeger’s time that he’s on if he’s throwing his knuckler for strikes. He walked eight in his time with the Sixers.

Kyle Russell is red-hot and likes playing against the Quakes. In 11 games against the Quakes this season, Russell is batting .410 with six home runs, 10 runs and 18 RBIs. Overall, he has six home runs in his last six games.

The Quakes miss Dillon Baird. Baird is a power and RBI bat in the middle of the lineup and since he”s out with an injury after he was hit in the hand by a pitch. Jon Townsend seems to be a slight improvement on Baird defensively, but doesn’t provide the offensive punch.

The next week could be key for both teams. The Quakes are going on a seven-game North Division trip to Visalia and San Jose, never an easy trip. The Sixers are returning home, where they are 4-17 to face a Bakersfield team that before Monday had lost 10 in a row.