Giants Return Favor, Rally in Ninth for 4-3 Win

7/2/2010

Giants Return Favor, Rally in Ninth for 4-3 Win
Dallas Keuchel’s bid for record-tying complete game ends after eight and 2/3 innings

(SAN JOSE, CA) – A night after the JetHawks stole a game with a ninth inning rally, the San Jose Giants pulled off one of their own. A bases-loaded bloop double in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs that landed between a trio of JetHawks brought home the winning run as the Giants stole a 4-3 win over the JetHawks. Dallas Keuchel came within one out of matching a JetHawks single-season record of three complete games.

Lancaster led from the second inning until the final batter. A rbi single by David Flores and a run-scoring double by Federico Hernandez in the second inning put Lancaster on top. Andy Simunic walked in the third inning, stole second, and scored on a throwing error to give the JetHawks a 3-0 edge.

It looked like that might be enough for Keuchel. The southpaw continued his outstanding work, recording his sixth straight quality start. Through eight innings he had given up just one run. Approaching his allotted pitch limit, Keuchel struck out two batters in the ninth inning but also gave up a walk and two singles. Having hit his pitch total, Mike Modica came out of the bullpen to try to get the final out. The first batter, Juan Perez, popped the ball up to shallow left field, but none of the JetHawks fielders were able to make the play, allowing all three runners to score and end the game.

Only one pitcher in JetHawks history has ever had three complete games in a season, or even in a JetHawks career. Greg Wooten, who had pitched one complete game in 1996, recorded three of them in 1999. Keuchel is one of just six pitchers ever to have two as a JetHawk.

The JetHawks will look to earn a series win in San Jose Saturday night. Shane Wolf (4-4) will pitch for the JetHawks against Justin Fitzgerald (5-1) of the Giants. The game begins at 6:30. The game will be broadcast starting with the Pre-Game Show at 6:15 on CSN@JetHawks.com and NewsTalk 1380.