JetHawks Start Second Half Hot, Beat Quakes
June 26, 2009 - California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - The Lancaster JetHawks started off the second half of the 2009 season on the right note. They erupted for 14 runs, including eight in the first two innings, starter Leandro Cespedes settled in and pitched seven innings, and the JetHawks knocked off the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Thursday night at the Hangar, 14-9.
Things did not start perfectly for the JetHawks, however, as the Quakes struck for three unearned runs in the first inning. After Cespedes easily retired the first two batters, Hector Estrella singled before Efren Navarro hit what appeared to be an inning ending fly ball to center field. But J.B. Shuck made just his second error of the season to keep the inning alive, and the Quakes made Cespedes pay. Clay Fuller and Carlos Colmenares both doubled in runs in the first.
And yet, much like they did so often in the final month of the first half, the JetHawks answered right back. Shuck started off the inning with a base hit, and Brandon Barnes followed with a single of his own. After Jon Gaston grounded into a fielders choice, T.J. Steele doubled home Gaston and Shuck.
Their real explosion came in the second inning for the JetHawks - and all the damage was done with two outs. David Flores tripled to lead things off, and Craig Corrado then singled. With two down, Barnes doubled to score Corrado. Gaston then doubled Barnes home, before T.J. Steele reached on a throwing error by shortstop Adam Romine. The JetHawks capitalized on the mistake, when Koby Clemens hit a three-run home run to left field.
After struggling through the first three innings, yielding six runs (only three of them were earned), Cespedes was a different pitcher beginning in the fourth. He retired the Quakes in order in the fourth, fifth and the sixth, and faced only four batters in the seventh. In that stretch, he retired 10 consecutive Quakes.
There were plenty of offensive heroes for the JetHawks. Barnes went 4-5 with three runs scored; Gaston was 3-6 with his 18th home run of the season, a towering shot off the batters' eye in center. Steele was 3-5, and Corrado was 3-4 including a beautiful bunt single.
The JetHawks continue their series with the Quakes tomorrow at the Hangar at 7:00 PM. The radio broadcast can be heard on Magic 1340 and www.jethawks.com beginning at 6:45 PM.
Friday, fans will be treated to a Fireworks Extravaganza following the ballgame. The JetHawks will also play their popular Launch-A-Ball promotion, where fans will have the opportunity to win great prizes. Saturday, June 27 is Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Night, presented by the Los Angeles Parrot Head Club. Jimmy Buffett cover band Coral Reefer Madness will perform prior to the game. The second annual Parrot Head Night includes a Recycled content car sun shade giveaway, $2 Land Shark Beer and of course Cheeseburgers! For more information on the Los Angeles Parrot Head Club, visit LAPHC.com.
Great ticket packages, including season tickets and flexible mini-plans, are on sale now for the 2009 season and may be ordered by calling (661) 726-5400. For more information, please visit the JetHawks official website at www.JetHawks.com.
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California League Stories from June 26, 2009
- Ports to Celebrate Re-Opening Night on June 28 - Stockton Ports
- Make This Monday Matter and Earn a Free Ticket to See Your Modesto Nuts - Modesto Nuts
- Septimo, Parker Selected for MLB Futures Game - Visalia Rawhide
- Mavs Send Pair to Futures Game - High Desert Mavericks
- Ports to host Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza on July 3 - Stockton Ports
- JetHawks Start Second Half Hot, Beat Quakes - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Edge Stockton To Begin Second Half - San Jose Giants
- 66ers Get Wild in Fifth, Lose Second Half Opener 5-3 - Inland Empire 66ers
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