JetHawks Drop Third Straight, Division Race Tightens
Published on August 19, 2006 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - Even having a major leaguer leading off was not enough for the JetHawks. Craig Counsell was 3-3 with a walk and Esmerling Vasquez had a quality start, but a makeshift defense committed three errors as High Desert beat Lancaster 6-2 in front of 2,414 at Clear Channel Stadium Saturday night.
Counsell, recovering from a broken rib, was Lancaster's designated hitter and hit first in the order. The 36 year-old veteran and starting shortstop for the Diamondbacks singled in the first and eighth innings, doubled in the third, and walked to reach base safely in each trip to the plate. Counsell is scheduled to play shortstop for the JetHawks Sunday before returning to the Diamondbacks.
With first baseman Cesar Nicolas and second baseman Emilio Bonifacio out of the lineup due to injuries, manager Brett Butler was forced to move several players into unfamiliar positions. Javier Brito made his first professional appearance at third base, Brandon Burgess moved to second base where he had not played since college, and Richard Mercado appeared at first base for just the second time in his pro career.
The defensive shift finally hurt the JetHawks in the seventh inning. With Lancaster up 1-0, Vasquez retired the first two batters of the inning. Brian McFall hit a routine grounder to third base, which should have ended the inning. Javier Brito overthrew to first for an error, allowing McFall to reach first. After a walk, James Tomlin hit a hopper up the middle. Burgess made a nice play to backhand the ball, but threw behind Derek Bruce for the second error of the inning. The next two Mavericks hit singles, giving the Mavericks three unearned runs and tagging Vasquez with a loss despite a strong seven innings without allowing an earned run.
At release time, Lake Elsinore trailed in their game to Visalia in the eighth inning. A Storm loss would keep the JetHawks in first place in the South Division by just one game over Lake Elsinore, High Desert, and Inland Empire.
The JetHawks continue a seven-game homestand Sunday night at Clear Channel Stadium with a double-header against High Desert. They will play two seven-inning games. Jesus Silva(0-0) and Anthony Cupps (2-0) pitch for the JetHawks against Carlos Rosa (0-0) and Gilbert De La Vara (0-3) of the Mavericks. Game one begins at 5:00 PM. The radio broadcast begins with the Burns Pharmacy JetHawks Pre-Game Show at 4:45 on Magic 1340 and online at jethawks.com. It is Mascot Day at Clear Channel Stadium, with team and corporate mascots from all across California joining JetHawks mascot KaBoom throughout the two games.
For tickets to remaining JetHawks home games, contact the JetHawks box office by phone at (661) 726-500, or by visiting the team's official website www.jethawks.com. If the JetHawks qualify for the 2006 California League playoffs, tickets will go on sale to the general public Tuesday, September 5 at 10 AM.
California League Stories from August 19, 2006
- JetHawks Drop Third Straight, Division Race Tightens - Lancaster JetHawks
- SJ Giants Closer Brian Anderson breaks the Cal League Record with 35th Save - San Jose Giants
- Tempers Flare as Mavericks Charge Mound, Beat JetHawks - High Desert Mavericks
- Ports Catch Fire in 11-4 Over Blaze - Stockton Ports
- Rodriguez Magnificent in Impressive 7-1 Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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