Ballew Strikes out Six But JetHawks Miss Chance
April 17, 2013 - California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
ADELANTO, Calif. - Kevin Rivers belted a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th, after the JetHawks couldn't score with the bases loaded in the top of the inning, to give the High Desert Mavericks a 6-5 win on Tuesday night.
The JetHawks loaded the bases in the top of the 11th with one out. Drew Muren doubled to start the inning, M.P. Cokinos walked and Chris Epps sacrificed them over for the first out of the inning. The Mavs elected to intentionally walk Nolan Fontana to load the bases for Raoul Torrez.
Manager Rodney Linares decided to pinch-hit Brandon Meredith. Meredith swung at the first pitch and grounded into a double play to end the inning. Stephen Shackleford (1-0) pitched out of the jam and eventually picked up the win.
Kevin Rivers led off the bottom of the 11th and hit the first pitch from Tommy Shirley over the right field fence for a walk-off home run.
Shirley (0-1) had come in to replace Travis Ballew. Ballew kept the JetHawks alive in the ninth and 10th. The right-hander struck out all six batters he faced in two perfect innings.
The Mavericks used three home runs to come back from a 5-0 deficit. Jabari Blash hit two home runs, a two-run shot off of "piggy-back" starter Luis Cruz and a solo shot off starter Aaron West.
Cruz struggled, allowing three runs in three innings of work.
West pitched his best game of the season. The right-hander struck out five over five innings. He also allowed a solo home run to Ramon Morla.
Lancaster scored three runs in the top of the second to take an early lead. Matt Duffy drove in a run with a double and Muren and Epps each added RBIs.
Preston Tucker led off the fourth inning with a solo home run. It was his fourth homer of the season and his second of the series. He finished 3-for-5 on the night. Muren also totaled three hits.
The JetHawks (8-4) will take on High Desert (6-7) in the rubber game of the three game series on Wednesday night at Mavericks Stadium. Mike Foltynewicz will get the start against Mayckol Guiapie at 7:05 pm.
Don't miss a moment of the 2013 season as the JetHawks look to repeat as California League Champions. Season tickets and great ticket packages are available now. To order, call (661) 726-5400 or visit jethawks.com.
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