JetHawks Race Out in Front, Hold on for 10-8 Win

6/18/2009

JetHawks Race Out in Front, Hold on for 10-8 Win
Koby Clemens drives in six runs while Reid Kelly earns second straight win


(LANCASTER, CA) – After slugging their way to two wins out of three in their final home series of the first half, the JetHawks took their act on the road Thursday night, beating Modesto 10-8 in the first of a four-game series. Lancaster opened up a nine run lead, largely thanks to the offensive efforts of Koby Clemens and the strong pitching of Reid Kelly. The Nuts battled back to make it close, but Lancaster closed out the victory for their second straight win. Since the 31st of May, Lancaster is two games above .500.

The JetHawks never trailed after Clemens parked a pitch over the center field wall for a three-run home run in the first inning. Lancaster added additional runs in the fourth and fifth before striking for three in the sixth inning to pull what appeared to be comfortably out in front 9-0 midway through the seventh inning.

Kelly, in just his third start as a professional, clamped down the Nuts offense. The converted reliever turned in a career-high six and two-thirds innings while striking out a personal-record eight batters. He did not allow a run until Erick Abreu allowed two of the men Kelly left on base to score in the seventh.

The bullpen, which has been a big reason for Lancaster’s recent success, almost gave the game away. Abreu surrendered three runs after letting the two inherited runners to score. Jeff Icenogle also allowed three before Bryan Hallberg closed the game out for his third save of the season.

Besides his home run, Clemens added a two-run double to drive in a career-high six runners for the second time this season. J.B. Shuck added three hits with a RBI while T.J. Steele had three hits and scored twice.

The JetHawks will battle the Nuts Friday night in a road contest. Leandro Cespedes (1-5) will pitch for Lancaster against Nuts’ hurler Bruce Billings (5-6). The game will begin at 7:05 with the Pre-Game Show kicking of the radio broadcast at 6:50 on Magic 1340 AM and online at JetHawks.com.

The JetHawks return home to open the second half of the season with a three-game series against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes beginning Thursday, June 25. Great ticket packages, including season tickets and flexible mini-plans, are on sale now for the 2009 season and may be ordered by calling (661) 726-5400. For more information, please visit the JetHawks official website www.JetHawks.com.