After Hot Start, JetHawks Stumble to Sixers
Published on June 17, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - Through five innings on Tuesday night at the Hangar, the Lancaster JetHawks appeared well on their way to a second consecutive win over the Inland Empire 66ers. But the 66ers scored four runs in both the sixth and seventh frames and never looked back en route to a 10-5 victory.
For the first time in the 2009 season, the Sixers hit back-to-back home runs. The JetHawks' bid for their first three-game home winning string were dealt a serious blow when, with two outs in the sixth, Scott Van Slyke hit a towering shot to left field, and Jaime Ortiz followed with a bullet of his own to right. The next batter Jessie Mier doubled to center and was brought home when Christian Lara singled.
Chris Hicks, who was on the hill looking for his club-leading sixth victory, and he seemed well positioned to get it after the fourth inning. The JetHawks loaded the bases with no outs in the frame, when Gabriel Suarez and Jon Gaston singled before T.J. Steele walked. Koby Clemens then walked to drive in Lancaster's first run of the evening. A wild pitch from Sixers pitcher Steven Johnson scored Gaston for the second run, and Weston then drove Steele home with a sacrifice fly to left. Johnson was scheduled to start but bumped his appearance back an inning for a spot start by Dodgers reliever Will Ohman.
Although the JetHawks bullpen was shaky after Hicks was lifted in the sixth inning - Phil Rummel and Jeff Icenogle gave up four runs in an inning - the Lancaster relief core did provide a positive story line this evening. Jose Duran made his return off the DL and pitched a scoreless inning; it was his first action since May 13th.
In the eighth inning, Gaston hit is league-leading 17th home run - and it was a mammoth blast. The ball cleared the shed past the right field wall by plenty, and easily left the entire complex. The JetHawks' representative in the All Star game had three more hits and raised his average to .323.
The JetHawks will be back at the Hangar tomorrow night for the rubber game in this series with the 66ers. The ballgame starts at 7:00, and the radio broadcast can be heard beginning at 6:45 on Magic 1340 and www.jethawks.com. We will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day in June at the ballpark, and will appreciate Dads in advance of Fathers Day. Several JetHawks will also be available before the game for autographs.
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.
California League Stories from June 17, 2009
- Giants Move Into First Place Tie After 6-1 Victory Over Rawhide - San Jose Giants
- Stockton to Welcome Dodgers Legend Maury Wills - Stockton Ports
- All-Star Post-Game, June 23 at Trevi Entertainment Center - Lake Elsinore Storm
- Oscar Nominated Director Ron Shelton on the Clubhouse Show - Lancaster JetHawks
- Bob Dylan & His Band Coming To The Diamond In Lake Elsinore - Lake Elsinore Storm
- Modesto Overpowers Ports in 11-3 Loss - Stockton Ports
- After Hot Start, JetHawks Stumble to Sixers - Lancaster JetHawks
- Broshuis, Giants Blank Visalia In 7-0 Win - San Jose Giants
- 66ers Fly Past JetHawks with 10-5 Win - Inland Empire 66ers
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