JetHawks Offense Stagnant Again in Fifth Straight Loss
April 21, 2009 - California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA) - The Lancaster JetHawks got one of their best pitching performances of the season Monday night, but it wasn't enough. The JetHawks offense managed just a season-low four hits while Inland Empire swatted three solo home runs as the 66ers come away with a 3-1 win in the first game of a three-game series in San Bernardino. Lancaster has now dropped five consecutive games.
Despite allowing the three home runs, the pitching was very good for Lancaster. Starter Jose Duran became the first JetHawks pitcher to go six innings in an outing, allowing the three solo home runs but nothing else to take the tough-luck loss. Fernando Abad and Reid Kelly combined for two innings of scoreless relief.
Although they only had four hits, Lancaster had plenty of opportunities to force a different outcome. A J.B. Shuck single and stolen base, combined with a wild pitch and walk to Craig Corrado, put runners on second and third base with just one out. Jon Gaston drew a walk on a pitch that got away from Inland Empire catcher Kenley Jansen. Shuck came in to score on the passed ball while Jansen, trying to throw Shuck out, threw the ball away for an error. It appeared the Corrado came in to score as well, but as befitting the JetHawks recent fortunes, plate umpire Seth Buckminster ruled that Corrado failed to touch home plate. The 66ers appealed, Corrado was called out, and the Lancaster lead was just 1-0.
After Inland Empire pulled ahead, the JetHawks had a pair of chances to at least pull even. Shuck tripled with one out in the third inning but was left on base. An even better chance came up in the fifth inning. Brian Pellegrini was hit by a pitch, followed by one out singles from Chris Jackson and Shuck to load the bases. However, Corrado grounded into a double play to end the inning. The final 13 Lancaster hitters were retired in order.
Game two of the series will take place Tuesday night in San Bernardino. Jeff Icenogle (0-1) will start for Lancaster against Inland Empire's Steve Johnson (0-1). The first pitch will be at 7:50 PM. The radio broadcast on Magic 1340 and JetHawks.com will begin with the Pre-Game show at 6:50.
The JetHawks will return Thursday, April 23 to open a seven-game homestand against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the San Jose Giants. 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 www.JetHawks.com.
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