JetHawks Ride Strong Pitching and Patience to 4-3 Win Over Inland Empire
April 23, 2009 - California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA) - The Lancaster JetHawks used some gutsy pitching and some smart approaches at the plate Wednesday and used the recipe to defeat the Inland Empire 66ers 4-3 in San Bernardino. Starter Chris Hicks set a career high with nine strikeouts, three JetHawks relievers combined to thwart 66ers rallies, and a pair of key walks in the ninth inning all played big roles as the JetHawks ended a six-game losing streak.
Hicks out-dueled Inland Empire starter Chris Withrow, a former first round draft choice of the Dodgers. Using a strong curveball and well-spotted fastball, he escaped bases-loaded jams in the second and fourth innings. His nine strikeouts matches a JetHawks high for the season and Hicks becomes the first Lancaster pitcher to reach two wins.
The offense plated important insurance runs off the Inland Empire bullpen. Brian Pellegrini continued his slugging ways, driving a home run over the left field wall to open the sixth inning. His seven home runs are tied for the most in the Minor Leagues. Also in the sixth inning, a David Flores double and Chris Minaker RBI single combined to put Lancaster ahead 3-0.
Inland Empire continued to threaten while the JetHawks continually danced out of trouble. Chia-Jen Lo struggled out the Lancaster bullpen, allowing a run to score and putting the tying and go-ahead runs on base in the sixth inning. But he escaped the jam and struck out the side in the seventh inning. The 66ers pushed across another run in the eighth and had the tying runner on third base with just one out, but Jordan Powell came out the bullpen to get two ground ball outs and preserve the lead.
It was the patience of the JetHawks hitters that led the eventual winning run in the ninth inning. J.B. Shuck started the frame with a single. Trying to sacrifice, Marcos Cabral was instead hit by a pitch. Jon Gaston battled in an eight-pitch at bat before earning a walk to load the bases. Jason Castro then worked a nine-pitch at bat before walking to bring in a run. The 66ers scored once in the ninth, making that final Lancaster run critical, before Powell closed them out.
The JetHawks now return to Lancaster to open a seven-game homestand against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. David Duncan (0-2) will start for Lancaster against Rancho Cucamonga's Esmerlin Jimenez (0-1). The first pitch will be at 7:05 PM. As is the Thursday night tradition at the Hangar, fans can get Cheers Buck Beers ($1 draughts) and a fan can win big money on $1,000 Thursday. The radio broadcast of the game on Magic 1340 and online at www.JetHawks.com begins with the Pre-Game Show at 6:45.
The JetHawks are now home for 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.
California League Stories from April 23, 2009
- Nuts Return Home for Weekend Series Full of Family Fun and Fireworks! - Modesto Nuts
- San Jose Giants at High Desert Mavericks, April 23-26 - San Jose Giants
- JetHawks Ride Strong Pitching and Patience to 4-3 Win Over Inland Empire - Lancaster JetHawks
- JetHawks Return Home Thursday for a Cheers Buck Beers Thousand Dollar Thursday - Lancaster JetHawks
- JetHawks End Skid With 4-3 Win - Inland Empire 66ers
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