JetHawks Win Series Finale in Bakersfield, 8-6
Published on May 4, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(BAKERSFIELD, CA) - The Lancaster JetHawks beat the Bakersfield Blaze 8-6 before a crowd of 505 at Sam Lynn Ballpark to win their third consecutive series on Thursday night. The top of the JetHawks order had a big night and starting pitcher Ruben Alaniz picked up the win to improve to 3-0.
Things seemed to go the JetHawks way from the very start. Jiovanni Mier hit the first pitch of the game from Blaze starter Kyle Lotzkar over the center field fence for his second home run of the season. Mier went 3-for-5 with two runs and a RBI.
In the bottom of the first Billy Hamilton reached on an infield single but the California League's stolen base leader was thrown out trying to steal second base by catcher Rene Garcia. George Springer made a diving catch later in the inning to rob the Blaze of extra bases.
Bakersfield got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when David Vidal hit a three run home run off Alaniz to give the Blaze a 3-1 lead. The home run was the first allowed by Alaniz this season.
Lancaster took the lead back in the fourth inning with four runs to make the score 5-3. Enrique Hernandez singled and advanced to second on an error by the left fielder Juan Duran. Hernandez scored on a Rafael Valenzuela base hit. After Valenzuela stole second, Springer doubled him home. Telvin Nash followed with a RBI-hit and eventually scored on Erik Castro's RBI-single. Nash finished the night 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Castro also had two hits and two RBI.
In the sixth inning with the score 5-4 and Alaniz still on the mound, Duran made up for the error, hitting a two-run home run to put the Blaze back on top 6-5. The JetHawks would answer again in the top of the seventh.
Lancaster plated three runs in the seventh to take an 8-6 lead. With Mier and Valenzuela at first and second, Springer hit a weak ground ball in front of home plate. Catcher Tucker Barnhart picked it up, spun and threw the ball over first base and down the right field line. Mier scored and Valenzuela and Springer moved up to third and second on the error. Nash followed with a sacrifice fly and Springer scored on a Castro groundball to the shortstop.
Alaniz allowed six runs over six innings of work, his highest total of the season. Blaze relief pitcher Pat Doyle (1-1) took the loss. He allowed three runs - one earned - in 1 2/3 innings. Bakersfield starter Kyle Lotzkar had his worst start of the season. The right-hander gave up five runs - four earned - on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings.
After Lancaster's disastrous 1-6 season-opening road trip the team has now won five of its last six series and is now 12-15. They head to Stockton to begin a three game series with Ports on Friday night. Right-hander David Martinez is expected to return from the disabled list to make the start. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm at Banner Island Ballpark.
Lancaster returns to The Hangar on Monday, May 7 to take on the Bakersfield Blaze and begin a six game home stand. Great JetHawks ticket packages and single game tickets are on sale now. Special group discounts are also available. For more information please visit www.jethawks.com or call the JetHawks box office at (661) 726-5400.
California League Stories from May 4, 2012
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Continue Homestand against Inland Empire - San Jose Giants
- 66ers Add Cedar Rapids Top Starter - Inland Empire 66ers
- Inland Empire Falls - Inland Empire 66ers
- JetHawks Win Series Finale in Bakersfield, 8-6 - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Sweep Ports with 10-Inning Victory - San Jose Giants
- Pericht the Hero in Thursday's Win over Sixers - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Wild Affair Goes the Way of the JetHawks, 8-6 - Bakersfield Blaze
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
