Jethawks Win Fifth In A Row, Take Series
Published on July 31, 2016 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Jason Martin drove in three, and Akeem Bostick and Kevin McCanna didn't allow an earned run as the JetHawks continued to roll with a 5-3 win over the Bakersfield Blaze on Saturday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
Lancaster (59-46) moved to a season-best 13 games over .500 and is now 24-11 since the All-Star Break, the top record in the Cal League during the second half. They've now won five in a row and nine consecutive games against North Division opponents.
The JetHawks fell behind early when starter Akeem Bostick struggled to navigate his way around long at-bats and shaky control in the first few innings. Bakersfield (58-48) loaded the bases in the first inning, but Bostick stranded all three runners. The Blaze scored a run in the second inning on an error and a passed ball but stranded two more runners.
In total, Bostick struck out a season-high eight and walked a season-high five in his four innings of work. He allowed just one hit and the one unearned run. He made 99 pitches.
Lancaster tied the game in the fourth inning on a Martin sacrifice fly and took the lead with a four-run fifth inning. Keach Ballard was hit by a pitch to start the rally. Johnny Sewald attempted to advance Ballard with a sacrifice bunt but reliever Isaac Sanchez threw the ball away allowing the runners to reach second and third. Osvaldo Duarte brought home the go-ahead run with a grounder to short before Bryan Muniz singled in another. Martin gave the JetHawks breathing room with a two-run double.
Kevin McCanna (1-1) entered in the fifth inning to protect the four-run lead and ended up pitching into the ninth inning. An error led to two unearned runs in the ninth, and McCanna finished with six strikeouts and no walks over 4.1 innings.
Kevin Comer entered with one out in the ninth and retired the final two batters to pick up his third save.
The JetHawks will try for a four-game sweep in the series finale on Sunday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Jose Hernandez will start for Lancaster against Osmer Morales. First pitch is 7:30 p.m.
California League Stories from July 31, 2016
- Almonte and Stein Power Nuts to Third Straight Win - Modesto Nuts
- Quakes Drop Fourth Straight, Swept by Mavs - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Jethawks Win Fifth In A Row, Take Series - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Lose Late Lead, Drop Third Straight to Mavs - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Bakersfield Blaze Game Recap 07-30-16: Bats Remain Sleepy in 5-3 Defeat - Bakersfield Blaze
- Ports Rally for 4-3 Win over Rawhide - Stockton Ports
- Giants Bats Stymied in 4-1 Loss - San Jose Giants
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