JetHawks' offense finds stride in win

Lancaster snapped out of its offensive funk with 16 hits and a victory over visiting Modesto

By CHAD HOLCOMB
Valley Press Staff Writer

Antonio Perez was trying to get back in the groove after being on the disabled list since May 2.

Both were accomplished as the JetHawks snapped out of their offensive slide with 16 hits in a 13-4 win in front of 1,843 fans at The Hangar.

Lancaster moved within one game of San Bernardino, which lost to Rancho Cucamonga, 4-2.

"The team as a whole came alive tonight," Lancaster manager Mark Parent said. "Early on, it looked the same as it had been all week. These guys fed off each other tonight and I think they realized it does pay off."

Perez, who was held hitless in his first game back Monday, finished 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and his first home run of the season in the sixth inning.

"It was nice to see some pop coming off the bat," Parent said, referring to Perez. "It's nice to have some pieces of the puzzle back."

Despite giving up four runs on eight hits in six innings, Lancaster starter Jeff Heaverlo (4-2) picked up his first win since April, thanks to some offensive support.

"That's the best stuff I've seen (Heaverlo) throw all year," Lancaster pitching coach Scott Budner said. "He had good thoughts tonight and he stayed under control, and that was the big key."

Although the JetHawks took the lead for good (5-4) with three runs in the fifth inning, Lancaster slammed the door on the possibility of a three-game sweep by Modesto in the seventh inning with seven runs on seven hits. The rally included a three-run homer by California League All-Star Terrmel Sledge.

Modesto's Shane Bazzell was dished the punishment in the inning. He had entered the game in relief of starter Mark Seaver in the sixth.

Lancaster took its first lead on Modesto in the series on a Sledge groundout in the third inning, scoring P.J. Williams.

Modesto took back that lead in the fourth, finally getting to Heaverlo. Heaverlo, who had retired seven straight during the first three innings, gave up three hits in the fourth, including a tworun single by Ryan Ludwick that went past a diving Bo Robinson to give Modesto a 3-2 lead.

Modesto increased the lead to 4-2 in the top of the fifth.

Lancaster scored three runs, all unearned, in the fifth on two hits with the help of two errors by Modesto first baseman Christian Reyes.

Juan Silvestre, one of four JetHawks selected to the All-Star game June 20, finished 2-for-4 with one RBI. Sledge finished 3for-5 with four runs batted in. Sledge hadn't homered since May 6 at Visalia.

Heaverlo allowed just one walk and struck out eight.

Uploaded June 7, 2000