Springer Homers in Rubber Game Loss
Published on August 3, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
STOCKTON, CA - George Springer hit a solo home run in the top of the third but the JetHawks offense spoiled multiple scoring chances in a 6-3 rubber game loss to the Stockton Ports at Banner Island Ballpark on Thursday night.
The Ports jumped out to an early lead against starter Blair Walters. The lefty, who had allowed nine runs in 2 1/3 innings in his first start, walked a batter, hit a batter and gave up a single to load the bases in the bottom of the first. He proceeded to walk A.J. Kirby-Jones for the game's first run. B.A. Vollmuth followed with a two-run double to take a 3-0 lead.
Stockton starter Nate Long gave one back in the top of the second with some control issues of his own. The right-hander walked the first two batters of the inning before allowing an infield single to Jonathan Meyer to load the bases. Chris Epps followed with a sacrifice fly to score Domingo Santana from third and get the JetHawks on the board. Carlos Perez and Chan Moon struck out to end the inning and leave two runners on.
Springer hit his 22nd home run of the season, a line drive to right centerfield, in the top of the third inning to get the JetHawks within one run. That's as close as they would get.
Walters, who entered the fourth inning having retired eight consecutive Ports batters, had the stretch snapped when Meyer threw to high to first on a slow groundball allowing Vollmuth to reach safely. The error was followed by a Dusty Robinson home run to right field to put the Ports back up by three, 5-2.
The JetHawks started the top of the fifth with three consecutive singles to load the bases for Springer, Erik Castro and Santana. Long got the inning's first out by striking out Springer looking. Castro came through with a line drive base hit but only Perez was able to score. With the bases still loaded, Santana flew out and Drew Muren grounded out to end the rally.
Stockton picked up its final run in the fifth inning. Max Stassi hit a solo home run off Walters to put the Ports up by the eventual final score, 6-3.
Walters (0-2) was pulled from the game after walking Kirby-Jones after the home run. The left-hander allowed six runs - five earned - on five hits with two home runs, three strikeouts and three walks in his second JetHawks start.
Long (4-1) picked up his first win as a starter. He tossed five innings and allowed three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.
Carlos Quevedo and Andrew Robinson combined to throw 3 2/3 scoreless innings for the JetHawks. Quevedo did not allow a hit in 2 2/3 and struck out six. Robinson tossed a perfect eighth inning with two strikeouts.
The JetHawks (20-20, 57-53) return home to begin a three game series with the High Desert Mavericks on Friday night at 7:00 pm. Tyson Perez will start for the JetHawks. Aerospace Appreciation Weekend will kick-off with Fireworks Friday.
Great JetHawks ticket packages and single game tickets are on sale now. Special group discounts are also available. For more information please visit www.jethawks.com or call the JetHawks box office at (661) 726-5400.
California League Stories from August 3, 2012
- Five One-Run Innings Push Blaze Past Nuts, 5-1 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Inside the Shell: Upcoming Homestand - Modesto Nuts
- Storm Swept by High Desert, Falling 4-0 - Lake Elsinore Storm
- Springer Homers in Rubber Game Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- Pederson's Heroics Save Quakes on Thursday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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