Mavs Walk off on Infield Grounder in Ninth
August 2, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
ADELANTO, Calif. - Taking a one-run lead into the bottom of the ninth inning, the JetHawks allowed a game-tying single and a fielder's choice grounder to score the winning run for the High Desert Mavericks in a 7-6 loss on Saturday night at Heritage Field.
Ronnie Mitchell homered twice for the JetHawks (53-52), accounting for all six of the club's runs. Mitchell's fifth-inning homer was a grand slam that gave Lancaster a lead that stood until the ninth.
JetHawks starter Austin Chrismon allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits over seven innings, striking out six.
With the bases loaded and the score tied at 6-6 with two out in the bottom of the ninth, High Desert's Ronald Guzman hit a grounder to shortstop Alex Bregman. Attempting to record an inning-ending forceout, Bregman ran toward second, but baserunner Royce Bolinger beat Bregman to the base, allowing the winning run to score from third. The Mavericks (55-47) had loaded the bases on a game-tying Joe Jackson RBI-single and two walks against Jordan Mills (1-1).
Trailing 3-2 in the top of the fifth, the JetHawks loaded the bases on a double and two walks. Mitchell then hit a flyball down the right-field line that home plate umpire Malachi Moore ruled foul. But after conferring with base umpire Taka Matsuda, Moore reversed the call, giving Mitchell a go-ahead grand slam.
High Desert had taken a first-inning lead on a Jackson RBI-single. Neither team scored again until the fourth, when Mitchell hit a two-run homer to left field, putting the JetHawks in front. The Mavericks, however, responded in the bottom half, as RBI-doubles by Bolinger and Guzman gave High Desert a one-run advantage.
After Mitchell's grand slam, the Mavericks chipped away as Alberto Triunfel hit a leadoff triple in the bottom of the fifth and scored on a late and errant relay throw from right field. A Bolinger RBI-double in the eighth against Andrew Walter brought High Desert within one run.
Jose Valdespina (1-1) recorded the win, pitching two scoreless innings in relief for High Desert.
The JetHawks will look for the series split on Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Akeem Bostick (2-3, 4.85) will pitch for Lancaster, and Richelson Pena (8-6, 4.50) will start for High Desert.
Don't miss a moment of exciting JetHawks action as they look to defend their 2014 California League title. Season tickets and other great ticket packages are on sale now. To order, call (661) 726-5400, or visit jethawks.com.
California League Stories from August 2, 2015
- Ports Fall to Giants 6-2 in Series Finale - Stockton Ports
- Blaze Open August on Winning Note, 8-4 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Ports Prevail 8-5 in 12 Innings - Stockton Ports
- Giants Fall in 12 Innings, Home Win Streak Ends - San Jose Giants
- Mavs Walk off on Infield Grounder in Ninth - Lancaster JetHawks
- Streaks Snapped in 8-4 Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Nuts Slam Rawhide in 8-5 Win - Modesto Nuts
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