JetHawks Clinch Second Half Title
Published on September 1, 2008 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(SAN JOSE, CA) - The Lancaster JetHawks clinched their second championship - the second half title - in 2008, on the final day of the regular season. The Lake Elsinore Storm, who entered Labor Day a game behind the JetHawks, lost assuring Lancaster of the second half title to go along with their first half championship. Lancaster will be the #1 seed in the South Division Playoffs. On Labor Day, The JetHawks lost a 6-4 decision of their own to San Jose.
Daniel Nava was 2-4 to finish the season with a .341 batting average. With five plate appearances Monday, he now has enough to qualify for the California League batting title becoming the second consecutive JetHawk after Bubba Bell, who hit .370 in 2007, to lead the league in hitting.
Lancaster hopped out to a 2-0 lead. 3B Zak Farkes drilled a solo homerun in the second inning and added an RBI single in the fourth to help his club to the early advantage. Meanwhile, southpaw Felix Doubrant rolled through the first four innings unscathed. However, he gave up a two-run homer to San Jose DH Tyler Graham in the fifth to tie the game. Doubront gave up two runs in five innings, walking one and striking out six.
The Giants used three straight singles against JetHawks reliever Kyle Fernandes in the sixth to take a 3-2. San Jose added three runs off Josh Papelbon in the seventh on a pair of two-out doubles.
Lancaster rallied in the eighth, loading the bases with two outs. With the bases full, 2B Aaron Reza blooped a ball behind the mound that brought home a run. A wild pitch from San Jose reliever Craig Whitaker accounted for the second run of the inning to make the score 6-4 and move the tying runs to second and third. However, Reid Engel grounded out sharply to first to end the threat.
Lancaster returns home to host games one and two of the California League South Division Championship on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7. The first 1,000 fans at each of the first two home games will receive a commemorative playoff t-shirt. Playoff tickets are on sale now starting at only $5 each. Tickets may be ordered on-line at JetHawks.com or by telephone by calling (661) 726-5400.
California League Stories from September 1, 2008
- Quakes Beat 66ers 5-3 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- JetHawks Clinch Second Half Title - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Conclude Regular Season With 6-4 Victory - San Jose Giants
- Quakes To Hold Fan Appreciation Day Today - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Donaldson's 14th Inning Blast Gives Ports 6-5 Win - Stockton Ports
- San Jose Suffers 6-3 Loss To JetHawks - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Blow Lead in 9th Lose 6-4 to 66ers - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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