San Jose's Thomas Neal Hits for Cycle in Giants Win
Published on April 29, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - A game that was supposed to be about two top pitching prospects turned into a game about pace- or lack thereof. A slow game can often lead to a sloppy game and that is what happened at the Hangar Tuesday night. Lancaster and San Jose combined to commit eight errors, which led to eight unearned runs as the Giants defeated the JetHawks 17-7. In an exciting but anti-climatic moment at the end, Giants outfielder Thomas Neal doubled in the ninth inning to hit for the cycle.
Both teams committed critical errors early as they traded the lead. San Jose third baseman Connor Gillaspie botched two plays in the second inning. That led to a two-run double by Craig Corrado and an early JetHawks lead. However, Lancaster committed two errors of their own in the third inning that led to five San Jose runs and a lead they would not relinquish.
The JetHawks did hand Giants starter Madison Bumgarner one of his roughest professional outings. The San Francisco Giants top prospect last just three and 1/3 innings, allowing six runs (three earned) on six hits.
Coming to the plate in the eighth inning with a home run, triple, and single already on his score sheet, Neal hit a ball that bounced off the wall in left-center field. While it appeared he had time to advance to third base for a triple, Neal slowed up and completed the first San Jose cycle since 2005. It's the first cycle in Lancaster since Lake Elsinore outfielder Yordany Ramirez completed the feat in 2007.
Lancaster was led by three hits from Chris Minaker. J.B. Shuck singled twice and has now hit safely in 12 straight games. Chris Jackson also had three hits for the JetHawks.
The JetHawks will attempt to win the series Wednesday morning. Shane Wolf (0-2) will be on the mound for Lancaster against San Jose's Scott Barnes (2-1). The radio broadcast of the game on Magic 1340 and online at www.JetHawks.com begins with the Pre-Game Show at 10:45 AM.
The early start is part of Lancaster's annual Education Day at the Hangar. Thousands of students from area elementary and middle schools will enjoy a fun field trip to cheer for their local team.
California League Stories from April 29, 2009
- JetHawks Win in Ninth, Take Series From Powerful SJ Giants - Lancaster JetHawks
- Weenie Wednesday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- 24-Hit Outburst Propels Giants To 17-7 Rout Of JetHawks - San Jose Giants
- San Jose's Thomas Neal Hits for Cycle in Giants Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Ports Blanked 6-0 in Series Opener - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Fall to Storm 8-5 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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