Magic Number Down to Four after JetHawks Edge Blaze
Published on August 22, 2008 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(BAKERSFIELD, CA) - The Lancaster JetHawks confidence level is growing nightly. Despite trailing early and despite several rallies by the Blaze, the JetHawks kept coming after the Blaze. After taking the lead twice, the bullpen came through to hold on for an 8-7 win. The victory is the JetHawks sixth in a row, their third winning streak of that length this season. The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes lost, so the JetHawks are now in first place in the second half by one and ½ games. Their magic number to clinch the South's best record is four.
Although Lancaster scored in the top of the first inning, the Blaze led through most of the early-going. They roughed up Travis Beazley for three runs in the first and chased him out after scoring six times in the first four innings.
Lancaster battled back. They caught the Blaze for the first time in the third inning on a RBI double by Ryan Kalish and a ground out by Michael Jones. After the Blaze re-took the advantage, the JetHawks took their first lead in the fourth on back-to-back RBI singles by Yamaico Navarro and Kalish.
Bakersfield jumped out in front again, forcing another JetHawks rally. It came in the sixth inning when Matt Sheely and Kris Negron opened with singles and scored on a passed ball and wild pitch. Yamaico Navarro then singled and stole second base. After moving to third on a ground out, Luis Exposito singled to bring home the go-ahead run.
Things were not comfortable for the JetHawks bullpen, but they got out of trouble. The Blaze loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth with one out, but Jason Blackey struck out the final two batters to end the game.
Navarro went 4-4 for Lancaster before leaving the game with an injury. Kalish had three hits and drove in two while Exposito had three hits and drove in the winning run.
The JetHawks finish a three-game road trip Friday night against Bakersfield. Felix Doubront (0-0) starts for Lancaster while the Blaze counter with Glenn Swanson (1-3). The game starts at 7:15 PM. The radio coverage is broadcast live on Magic 1340 AM and online at www.JetHawks.com with the Pre-Game Show beginning at 7:00
Individual game tickets for all JetHawks home games, including playoff games, are available in person at the JetHawks Box Office Monday - Friday from 10 AM - 5 PM or Saturdays from 10 AM - 3 PM. Great ticket packages for multiple games are also available starting at just $56 for eight games. More information can be found on-line at www.JetHawks.com.
California League Stories from August 22, 2008
- Kris Negron Powers JetHawks to Sweep Over Blaze - Lancaster JetHawks
- The Dogs are Coming - Visalia Rawhide
- Giants Even Series With 7-1 Win Over Rancho Cucamonga - San Jose Giants
- Giants Pound Quakes 7-1 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Magic Number Down to Four after JetHawks Edge Blaze - Lancaster JetHawks
- Magic Number Down to Four after JetHawks Edge Blaze - Lancaster JetHawks
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