Ports Power Past JetHawks, 6-5
Published on June 30, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif.- The Stockton Ports (27-48) assured themselves of the series victory against the Lancaster JetHawks (28-47), winning their second consecutive game, 6-5, Monday night at Banner Island Ballpark.
The Ports collected 11 hits in the contest, and held on their lead from the third inning to secure the victory. All but two Ports batters collected a hit in the game. Jemile Weeks finished the contest 0x3 to snap his hitting streak at 22 games. Weeks had hit safely in the first 22 games he started with Stockton this season, batting .400 (36x90) with five doubles, a triple, seven home runs and 23 RBI in that span. Todd Johnson, Matt Smith and Steve Kleen all went 2x4 in the contest. Kleen and Johnson both homered, and Johnson had three RBI on Monday.
Southpaw Carlos Hernandez picked up his third win, allowing four runs on eight hits in 6.0 innings. Lance Sewell was credited with a hold, and right-handed pitcher Mickey Storey picked up his first save for the Ports this season in his first appearance. Storey struck out two in 1.1 innings of work.
The Ports scored first, taking a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second. First baseman Kleen slammed a solo home run to left field to lead of the frame. Left fielder Johnson then followed suit with his own solo shot, his landing in the Metro PCS Home Run Hill in right-center field. Shortstop Michael Richard doubled in his first at-bat and came around to score the third Ports run on a double by right fielder Jermaine Mitchell.
Lancaster came back in the top of the third to take their lone lead of the game, by a score of 4-3. Second baseman Craig Corrado led off the offense with a single. Right fielder J.B. Shuck grounded out, and shortstop Marcos Cabral doubled to bring home Corrado. An RBI single by left fielder Jon Gaston scored Cabral. Center fielder T.J. Steele slammed a two-run home run over the bullpens to put the JetHawks ahead. Hernandez then put out the next two batters to get out of the inning.
The Ports regained the lead in the bottom of the third inning, adding three more runs. Center fielder Grant Desme singled to jumpstart the offense and Kleen followed with a single. Catcher Yusuf Carter doubled to bring home Desme. Johnson slammed his 21st double of the season to bring home two more runs. Matt Smith singled, but was caught stealing at second while Richard was at-bat. Mitchell flew out to end the inning. After the third, the Ports were held hitless until the eighth inning, when Smith and Richard both singled.
The JetHawks added their fifth and final run of the ballgame in the eighth inning, a solo home run by catcher Jonathan Fixler to the Black Oak Casino Bullpen Barbecue area. It was Fixler's first home run of the season for Lancaster.
The Ports and JetHawks will face off on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. for the final game of the series. RHP Tyson Ross (1-5, 4.66) will start the game for Stockton, while Lancaster will have RHP Leandro Cespedes (3-5, 5.89) on the hill.
California League Stories from June 30, 2009
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- Lawn Seating and Standing Room Only Tickets for July 3 Now Available - Lancaster JetHawks
- "Bark in the Ballpark" Returns to the Epicenter on Wednesday, July 1st - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Giants Suffer 5-1 Loss To Modesto Ending Win Streak - San Jose Giants
- Ports Power Past JetHawks, 6-5 - Stockton Ports
- Van Slyke Walk-Off Shakes Quakes - Inland Empire 66ers
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