Simunic's Grand Slam Sparks 8-5 Win
Published on July 30, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(SAN JOSE, CA) - The JetHawks struck for an early seven runs before the Giants ever came to the plate and Lancaster's pitchers held on after that for an 8-5 victory at Municipal Stadium in San Jose Friday night. Robby Donovan pitched five solid innings for the JetHawks to earn his first win since April and Andy Simunic hit a grand slam in the win. Lancaster has now won two out of the three in the road series.
The game followed the breaking news that the Astros had traded All Star outfielder Hunter Pence to the Philadelphia Phillies in a deal that will bring one of the top 50 prospects in baseball, outfielder Jonathan Singleton, to the JetHawks.
The JetHawks quickly loaded the bases in the first inning. Grant Hogue doubled, Austin Wates was hit by a pitch, and Adam Bailey singled. A catcher's interference call brought in the game's first run, but was quickly followed by a RBI single by J.C. Thompson and a walk to Erik Castro to make it 3-0. Simunic worked the count to 3-1 before smashing a fastball over the left field wall for a grand slam to open up the early advantage.
Donovan was remarkably efficient for the first three innings, not allowing a runner. The Giants finally broke through for three runs in the fourth, but Donovan stranded three runners and worked through the fifth.
San Jose repeatedly tried to come back but was staved off by Lancaster pitching and defense. The Giants put the first two men on base in the sixth inning, but Adam Bailey caught a fly ball and gunned down a tagging runner at third base for a key double play. Closer Kirk Clark entered the game with the bases loaded in the eighth inning but escaped trouble and struck out two in a scoreless ninth to earn the save.
Donovan's win was his first since April 25 and ended a streak of 11 straight losing decisions.
The JetHawks will go for the series win Saturday night in San Jose. Jake Buchanan (5-5) will start for Lancaster against Chris Heston (8-4). The game starts at 6:00 and will be broadcast live on radio by 87.7 Kickin' Country and online at CSN at JetHawks.com (click the listen live link). The Pre-Game Show starts at 5:45.
The JetHawks return home Wednesday, August 3 to open a four-game homestand against the Inland Empire 66ers. For tickets and other information, call (661) 726-5400 or visit JetHawks.com.
California League Stories from July 30, 2011
- Touted Prospect Singleton to Join JetHawks - Lancaster JetHawks
- Lancaster's Early Offense Too Much For Giants - Lancaster JetHawks
- Nuts defeat the Blaze - Bakersfield Blaze
- Hellweg Leads 66ers to Victory - Inland Empire 66ers
- Simunic's Grand Slam Sparks 8-5 Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Fall Game Back of Storm with 9-3 Loss - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Quakes Fall Game Back of Storm with 9-3 Loss - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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