JetHawks Sunk by "Almost Perfect" Storm
Published on June 22, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
LAKE ELSINORE, CA - It was an "almost perfect" Storm at The Diamond on Friday night. Burch Smith retired the first 15 JetHawks batters he faced and Lancaster never could recover, dropping its second in a row, 6-2, against the Lake Elsinore Storm.
Chris Epps led off the sixth inning with a line drive base hit to center field to break up Smith's perfect game. Epps was the JetHawks' first base runner of the game. They were already down 6-0.
Smith (6-4), who's pitch count was being monitored closely, was removed after the hit after making only 58 pitches. He struck out seven and did not allow a walk.
He got early run support from his offense which jumped on Jorge De Leon (1-6) early and often through his six innings of work. In the first, the Justin Miller walked with two out and scored on a Tommy Medica double. In the second, Casey McElroy led off with a single and scored on a Connor Powers double.
Powers helped break the game open in the fourth inning. With two on and two out, the aptly named Powers drove an 0-2 pitch over the left field fence for a three-run homer, his second of the series. In the first two games of the series, Powers has driven in nine runs.
Leadoff hitter Rico Noel led off the sixth inning with a walk and proceeded to steal second and third base before coming in on a Miller sacrifice fly. The Storm stole five bases in the game for the second night in a row.
The JetHawks offense scored two runs against reliever Matt Branham in the seventh inning. Telvin Nash singled off the right field fence to score Domingo Santana and Chris Epps picked up an RBI on a groundout to first base.
Lancaster was retired in order in the eighth and ninth inning. They were retired 1-2-3 in seven of nine innings on the night.
McElroy finished the game 4-for-4 with four singles and two runs scored. He is 5-for-6 with a home run, three walks and five runs scored in since being called up by the Storm prior to the series opener.
The JetHawks (0-2, 37-35) have lost all nine games at The Diamond this season. They will take on the Storm (2-0, 38-34) in game two of the series on Saturday night at 6:05 pm. Ruben Alaniz (6-2, 4.74) will start against Mark Pope (4-6, 5.23).
Great JetHawks ticket packages and single game tickets are on sale now. Special group discounts are also available. For more information please visit www.jethawks.com or call the JetHawks box office at (661) 726-5400.
California League Stories from June 22, 2012
- Bakersfield Cannot Weather 6-Run Inning, Loses 8-2 - Bakersfield Blaze
- JetHawks Sunk by "Almost Perfect" Storm - Lancaster JetHawks
- 66ers Fall Short in 6-5 Loss - Inland Empire 66ers
- Oh What a Night: Storm Win 14-1 - Lake Elsinore Storm
- Giants Rout Visalia in Second Half Opener - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Open Second Half with Home Loss - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Heath Knocks Four Homer in Lopsided Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- Inland Empire Drops 2nd Half Opener - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Open Second Half with a Blast, Beat Rancho 12-2 - Bakersfield Blaze
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
