JetHawks Win South's First Half, Clinch Playoffs
Published on June 15, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. - The JetHawks have punched their ticket to the 2013 California League postseason, giving them a head start at a run for back-to-back titles. Lancaster beat the Lake Elsinore Storm, 5-1, to clinch the South Division's first half title on Saturday night at The Diamond.
Luis Cruz (3-4) followed a solid Kyle Hallock to lead a pitching staff that stranded 10 Lake Elsinore runners and pitched out of two bases loaded jams without allowing a run.
Lancaster set the tone early with a run in the first. Delino DeShields walked to leadoff the game and ended up coming around to score on a Matt Duffy double to centerfield. DeShields had waited to see if centerfielder Kyle Gaedele would make the catch and Andrew Aplin, who started the play at first base, caught up to him on the bases as they came around third. The relay throw came in to the catcher Austin Hedges who lunged and missed DeShields before tagging Aplin out.
The JetHawks loaded the bases with no outs in the fourth inning on two walks and a single. Tyler Heineman followed with a sacrifice fly and DeShields drew a bases loaded walk to increase the lead to 3-0.
Kyle Hallock struggled with his control but did not allow a run over 4 2/3 innings. He gave up four hits and walked a season-high five batters to go along with two strikeouts. He induced an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded in the fourth inning to keep the Storm scoreless.
Hallock loaded the bases with three walks in the fifth inning and two outs before Theron Geith entered the game and struck out Gaedele on three pitches to strand the runners.
Chris Epps drove a double to the wall left-centerfield in the sixth inning to score M.P. Cokinos and make the score 5-0.
Cruz entered the game in the sixth and ran into trouble with two outs. He walked Travis Whitmore and allowed a double to Luis Domoromo. Ronnie Richardson followed with an infield single to score the Storm's only run of the game. The lefty retired the side in order in the seventh and eighth innings to keep Lancaster comfortably ahead.
Duffy drove in a second run in the ninth inning when he doubled to over the head of Gaedele in centerfield again, this time scoring Aplin from first base. Duffy finished 3-for-4 with two doubles and a walk and is 8-for-12 in the series.
Preston Tucker picked up two hits to extend his hitting streak to nine games. He has multi-hit performances in six straight.
The JetHawks (39-30) finish up the half with Lake Elsinore (27-42) on Sunday at 2:05 pm at The Diamond. Aaron West (3-3, 5.01) will start against Trevor Holder (1-2, 7.88). The JetHawks will have a first round bye in the Cal League playoffs.
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.
California League Stories from June 15, 2013
- JetHawks Win South's First Half, Clinch Playoffs - Lancaster JetHawks
- Hessler Strong in Win over San Jose - Visalia Rawhide
- Late Comeback Falls Short in 6-4 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
- Quakes Rock Ports 13-2 - Stockton Ports
- Giants Clinch First Half Title with 10-Inning Win - San Jose Giants
- 1st Half Title Hopes Alive After 4-3 Victory - Inland Empire 66ers
- 'Hawks Rally in Ninth to Clinch Share of Title - Lancaster JetHawks
- Nuts Fall 5-3, Drop Fourth Straight - Modesto Nuts
- Garcia Goes Deep Twice in Big Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Blaze Capitalize in 6th, Hold off Modesto, 5-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
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