'Hawks finally have bash at home

By DAN GOLDBERG
Valley Press Staff Writer

"It's good to see them break out and have a night like this," manager Chad Epperson said. "We've struggled at home and it can get frustrating at times, but credit the guys that came out."

The JetHawks scored their highest total of the season Thursday at The Hangar and won by their largest margin, ending their series against High Desert with a resounding 16-3 win.

The victory gives the JetHawks sole possession of second place in the California League Southern Division, just one game behind Lake Elsinore.

Daniel Nava, who batted ninth for the first time, led the offense hitting two of the team's seven home runs. He also scored four runs and drove in three.

Nava's first home run - a two-run shot in the second inning - bounced off the equipment shed in right field and gave the JetHawks a 2-1 lead.

"It was a (hanging) curveball," Nava said. "I'm pretty sure he missed location. I don't think he wanted to throw it middle-in."

The offensive outburst outshone another strong outing from Adam Mills, who became the first JetHawks with four wins. Mills (4-2) allowed a first-inning run, but his next two innings were a clinic in efficiency. He threw 15 pitches in the second and five in the third, only one for a ball.

"That's outstanding," Epperson said. "Hey, that's what you are supposed to do. When we score you go out there and attack the strike zone."

Leading 2-1 in the fourth, JetHawks hitters took advantage of a Mavericks pitching staff that entered Thursday's game with a 5.47 ERA, the highest (by nearly half-a-run) in the Cal League. Jason Place celebrated his 20th birthday with a two-run home run, increasing the lead to three. The JetHawks scored two more in the fifth and turned the game into a blowout in the sixth.

Nava singled ahead of a Place walk. Lars Anderson, who was in a 1-for-14 slump, doubled home both runners, which was followed two batters later by a Josh Reddick two-run home run. Chih-Hsien Chiang tripled and then Reid Engel hit a two-run home run and the JetHawks had a 12-2 lead.

"I think it is (contagious)," Nava said. "It just pumps you up. You think, 'Oh baby,' and I'm sure it does have an affect on a pitcher."

After six innings, every JetHawks had reached base, and, so it was time for seconds. Nava hit his second home run in the seventh - this one a solo-shot to left.

In the eighth, Reddick hit his second home run. Three batters later Engel hit his second home run and the JetHawks had a 13-run lead.

"It's incredible to see seven home runs in one game," Engel said. "It's ridiculous."

And relieving for a JetHawks team that had averaged more runs scored on the road than at The Hangar.

"We've been looking to string together some hits," Nava said. "Hopefully, it's a sign of things to come."

dgoldberg@avpress.com