Late Rally Sinks Lancaster
Published on May 21, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - Gabriel Noriega hit a bases-clearing triple in the top of the eighth to give High Desert a 13-9 victory over the JetHawks at Clear Channel Stadium Friday. The Mavericks scored six runs in the final two innings to erase a 9-7 deficit. Jordan Comadena went 2-for-5 and hit his first home run as a JetHawk.
High Desert built an early lead off home runs. Denny Almonte smacked a solo shot off JetHawks starter Luis Cruz in the top of the first and Anthony Phillips and Daniel Carroll each hit solo homers in the third. James Jones doubled High Desert's lead when he belted a three-run blast off Cruz in the fourth, which made it a 6-0 ballgame.
The JetHawks stormed back with eight runs in the bottom of the fourth. Lancaster got a two-run single from JC Thompson and an RBI single from Ben Heath before Comadena crushed a 1-0 pitch from Nick Czyz. The towering three-run blast sailed over the left field wall and gave the JetHawks a 7-6 advantage. Lancaster would tack on another run on Austin Wates' sacrifice fly later in the frame.
After the JetHawks added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth, High Desert seized control of the contest in the eighth inning. With a man aboard and two outs, Zach Grimmett issued consecutive walks before he was replaced by closer Kirk Clark. Noriega ripped a triple into right field to clear the bases and put the Mavericks in front 10-9. High Desert added two more runs in the inning and an additional run in the ninth to seal the victory.
Grimmett (1-2) took the loss and Clark was charged with his first blown save of the season. Daniel Cooper (4-0) earned the win in relief for High Desert. The Mavericks improved to 19-23 with the win and are in sole possession of second place in the California League Southern Division standings. The loss dropped Lancaster to 18-24.
The JetHawks will try to get back on the winning track in the opener of a three-game series at Lake Elsinore Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Robby Donovan (2-3, 6.54 ERA) gets the start for Lancaster while the Storm are expected to counter with lefty Mike Watt (1-5, 4.46 ERA). Tune in to CSN@JetHawks.com and FM 87.7 Kickin' Country for all the live action beginning with the pre-game show at 6:50 p.m. The JetHawks return home for a four-game series against Rancho Cucamonga, beginning Wednesday night at 7.
Ticket packages for the 2011 season are currently available. To lock in your seats, call (661) 726-5400 or visit www.JetHawks.com.
California League Stories from May 21, 2011
- Quakes Drop Second Straight, Blanked on Saturday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Injury Deflates JetHawks in 6-2 Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- A's Prospect Max Stassi to Have Shoulder Surgery - Stockton Ports
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Travel to Stockton for Three-Game Series - San Jose Giants
- Blaze Win in Extras - Bakersfield Blaze
- Late Rally Sinks Lancaster - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Split Series with 5-4 Loss - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Giants Blast Nuts To Earn Series Split - San Jose Giants
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