Justin Masterson Becomes First Former JetHawks Player to Debut With Boston Red Sox
Published on April 24, 2008 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - Justin Masterson's major league debut Thursday was everything the former Lancaster JetHawks ace could have hoped for - except for the final score. In a spot start at Fenway Park, the 2007 JetHawks star hurled six strong innings, allowing just one run. However, the Red Sox bullpen could not hold the lead, allowing six runs after Masterson left the game to as Boston dropped its series finale to the Los Angeles Angels. Masterson had a no-decision.
The 23-year old pitcher becomes the first player to play in Lancaster and advance to Boston since the clubs affiliated prior to the 2007 season. The right-hander, known for his power sinker, made his major league debut just nine months after his final start in Lancaster on July 4, a game in which the JetHawks won the 2007 first-half championship with Masterson as the winning pitcher.
In Thursday's action, Masterson did not allow a hit until the third inning and his only run was surrendered in the fifth. He struck out the second batter he faced, Gary Matthews, Jr. It was fitting that the first batter Masterson fanned was a former California League player. Matthews spent parts of two seasons with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Masterson struck out four batters total, including Angels star Torii Hunter.
Two former JetHawks have now made their Major League debuts in the opening month of the baseball season. Two weeks ago, 2006 ace Greg Smith, the JetHawks all-time ERA leader, made his debut for the Oakland Athletics. Smith earned a victory in his second start with the A's, who acquired the lefty in a major off-season deal that sent several Diamondbacks prospects to Oakland in exchange for Dan Haren. Smith and Masterson become the 65th and 66th players to advance from Lancaster to the Major Leagues since professional baseball came to the Antelope Valley in 1996.
The JetHawks return to begin a seven-game homestand Friday against Lake Elsinore and Rancho Cucamonga. Individual game tickets as well as ticket packages are available for most JetHawks games. Tickets may be ordered by calling (661) 726-5400 or may be ordered on-line at www.JetHawks.com.
California League Stories from April 24, 2008
- Modesto Closes Out Sweep of Lancaster, Wins 5-1 - Lancaster JetHawks
- Justin Masterson Becomes First Former JetHawks Player to Debut With Boston Red Sox - Lancaster JetHawks
- Banner Island Ballpark To Host Dave Henderson Baseball Camp - Stockton Ports
- Giants Post Convincing Win Over Stockton, 10-4 - San Jose Giants
- Ports Have Winning Streak Snapped In 10-4 Loss - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Fall To Blaze, 6-5 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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