(LANCASTER, CA) -The JetHawks came from behind the beat the Modesto Nuts 5-4 Sunday night at Clear Channel Stadium in front of 1, 211. The win is their ninth in a row, a season-high winning streak for the JetHawks and clinches the best overall record in the South for Lancaster, giving them home-field advantage intoThe California League Championships.
For the 34th time in 69 home games, the JetHawks gave up a run in the top of the first inning. Unlike 19 other times, Lancaster did not let the early deficit deny them the win. In the second, after Aaron Reza was hit by a pitch and Matt Sheely singled to second, Yamaico Navarro singled a run home and a wild throw allowed Sheely to score one out later.
Modesto rallied putting up single runs in the fourth, fifth and six to take a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the eighth. Navarro led off the frame with a triple to right-center field. One out later, Mike Jones chopped a ball over a pulled in Modesto infield for the game-tying RBI.
Tied going into the top of the tenth, the JetHawks turned to Bryson Cox. Despite giving up two hits, Cox managed to get out of the frame without allowing a run. Sheely drew a walk to open things in the bottom of the tenth. After a Jason Place single put runners at first and second with no outs, Navarro struck out looking and Ryan Kalish hit a come backer that looked like a double play. But pitcher Tommy Baumgardner threw the ball into center field for the error allowing Sheely to come around and score the winning run.
Bryson Cox earned his second win on the season for Lancaster, Will Harris suffers the loss for Modesto.
Aaron Reza finished the game 1-for-3 and has now hit safley in a season-high nine straight ballgames for Lancaster. Sheely finished the game with a base hit and two runs scored, the left-fielder has now hit safely in a seaon-high six straight for Lancaster.
The JetHawks complete its regular season home schedule Monday night with a 7 PM game against the Modesto Nuts. The JetHawks send Blake Maxwell (5-7) to the hill, Modesto counters with Brandon Durden (3-1). First pitch is set for 7 PM. You can hear all the action of Magic 1340 beginning with the JetHawks pre-game show at 6.45 PM.
Lancaster will finish the final seven regular season games on the road before returning to host games one and two of the California League South Division Championship on September 6 and 7. The first 1,000 fans at each of the first two home games will receive a commemorative playoff t-shirt and playoff tickets are on sale now for only $5 each and may be ordered on-line at JetHawks.com or by telephone by calling (661) 726-5400.
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