Altuve's Walk-Off Grand Slam Lifts Lancaster Past 66ers
Published on August 14, 2010 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - Jose Altuve picked an opportune moment for his first home run as a member of the Lancaster JetHawks. The diminutive second baseman crushed the first pitch he saw from Inland Empire's Eric Krebs and watched it sail over the right-field wall for a walk-off grand slam, giving Lancaster a 12-8 victory over the 66ers at Clear Channel Stadium Friday. After scoring in the bottom of the first, the JetHawks fell behind 6-1 as Inland Empire scored six runs in the span of three innings. Alfredo Silverio and Pedro Baez each homered off JetHawks starter Ross Seaton in the 66ers' three-run third inning. Inland Empire added run in the fourth and two more in the sixth before Lancaster turned to its bullpen for help.
Brandon Barnes hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth to reduce the deficit to four. One inning later, Lancaster knotted the score at 6-6 as Barnes belted a three-run homer and Andy Simunic added an RBI single. Barnes moved into fourth place on the JetHawks career home runs list with his two home runs. The Lancaster slugger now has 36 home runs in a JetHawks uniform.
The game remained tied until the ninth. Inland Empire scored twice off JetHawks reliever Mike Modica (4-3) in the top of the frame to open up an 8-6 lead.
After Jonathan Villar hit a leadoff triple off Krebs (0-2) in the bottom of the inning, Brian Pellegrini socked a two-run homer over the center field wall to even the score at 8-8. With two on and two outs, Krebs issued an intentional walk to Mark Ori in order to face Altuve, who responded by hitting the game-winning blast.
With the win, the JetHawks improved to 23-24 in the second half and 46-71 overall. The 66ers fell to 18-29 in the second half and 44-73 overall. The JetHawks will be seeking their third straight win when the two teams meet on Saturday at Clear Channel Stadium. Lancaster will start right-hander Robert Donovan (0-2, 8.31 ERA). The 66ers are expected to counter with right-hander Jon Michael Redding (4-7, 5.04 ERA). First pitch is slated for 7:00 p.m. Tune in for all the live action beginning with the JetHawks Pre-Game Show at 6:45 p.m. on www.jethawks.com/csn and News Talk 1380-AM.
The 2010 season marks the 15th anniversary of professional baseball in the Antelope Valley, and since its inaugural game in1996, The Hangar has produced more than 90 Major Leaguers and inducted 25 members into The JetHawks Hall of Fame. Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of 15 years of Hangar Heroes in 2010.
To lock in your seats for 2010, contact Sean Magwire at (661) 726-5400, or sean@jethawks.com. Info can also be found at www.JetHawks.com.
California League Stories from August 14, 2010
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- Altuve's Walk-Off Grand Slam Lifts Lancaster Past 66ers - Lancaster JetHawks
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