JetHawks Fall in Wild Finish

5/5/2010
Contact: Jeff Lasky

Lancaster’s seven-run ninth inning not enough in 11-10 loss

(ADELANTO, CA) – For eight innings, the Lancaster JetHawks were stuck in neutral, seemingly unable to put together a big inning and seize a comeback win from High Desert. Then, with Lancaster trailing 9-3 in the top of the ninth inning, the JetHawks rallied for seven runs on seven hits and grabbed a 10-9 advantage. Unfortunately, Lancaster could not hold the lead as the Mavericks scored twice in the bottom of the ninth to escape with an 11-10 victory at Mavericks Stadium Wednesday.

High Desert struck first by scoring two runs on three hits in the bottom of the second off JetHawks starter Kyle Greenwalt. Scott Savastano hit a one-out double and Denny Almonte followed with an RBI triple. Almonte scored moments later on Jake Shaffer’s RBI groundout, which gave the Mavericks a 2-0 edge.

The Mavericks tacked on two more runs on three hits off Greenwalt in the bottom of the third to extend their lead to 4-0.

Lancaster’s offense started to come alive in the top of the sixth. Jay Austin smacked a solo home run, his second of the series, off Mavericks starter Jake Wild. Freddy Parejo and Mark Ori hit consecutive singles later in the inning and Parejo scored when David Flores reached on an error, which made it a 4-2 contest.

High Desert immediately answered with two runs on two hits in the sixth. The Mavericks benefited from Kyle Godfrey’s control problems in the inning. Godfrey issued three walks in the frame, including a bases loaded walk to Savastano.

Lancaster’s chances at a comeback looked slim after the Mavericks added three runs on four hits in the bottom of the eighth to extend the lead to 9-3.

But the JetHawks erupted for seven runs on seven hits in the top of the ninth, the most productive inning of the season for Lancaster’s offense. Barry Butera drove in three runs in the frame on a two-run homer and an RBI single. Butera’s single drove in Brandon Wikoff with the go-ahead run and the JetHawks took a 10-9 lead into the bottom of the ninth.

The Mavericks refused to wilt. Maximo Mendez hit a leadoff single off JetHawks reliever David Berner and Berner bobbled Kyle Seager’s sacrifice bunt attempt, which put runners at first and second with no outs. Nate Tenbrink followed with a bunt single to load the bases and Ashton Mowdy was summoned to replace Berner. Mowdy issued a bases loaded walk to Johermyn Chavez and Mendez trotted home with the tying run. Moments later, Travis Scot hit a walk-off RBI single and the Mavericks seized the victory.

Berner (1-1) took the loss for Lancaster. Stephen Penney (1-1) picked up the win for High Desert. The loss dropped Lancaster to 8-17 while High Desert improved to 15-11.

The JetHawks and Mavericks will face off in the rubber match of the three-game series on Thursday night. Right-hander Ross Seaton (1-1, 4.50 ERA) gets the start for Lancaster. The Mavericks will counter with right-hander Kenn Kasparek (2-1, 3.18 ERA). First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. Tune in for all the live action beginning with the JetHawks Pre-Game Show at 6:50 p.m. on www.jethawks.com/csn and News Talk 1380-AM KOSS.

The 2010 season marks the 15th anniversary of professional baseball in the Antelope Valley, and since its inaugural game in 1996, The Hangar has produced more than 90 Major Leaguers and inducted 25 members into The JetHawks Hall of Fame. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of 15 years of Hangar Heroes in 2010.

To lock in your seats for 2010, contact Trent Wondra at (661) 726-5400, or trent@jethawks.com. Info can also be found at www.JetHawks.com.