JetHawks almost let one slip by

The JetHawks scored four runs in the first inning to take control of the game, but needed a late rally to hold off the A's. Lancaster catcher Scott Maynard brought home the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth.

By ALAN HENDRY
Valley Press Staff Writer

Left fielder Juan Silvestre led the way in the first, with a threerun home run, his 21st of the year. However, the JetHawks ran into Modesto center fielder Ryan Ludwick, who was named the California League player of the week on Monday.

Ludwick hit two solo home runs, including one in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4-4. The JetHawks rallied in the bottom of the inning with a run on a sacrifice fly by catcher Scott Maynard to give Lancaster a 5-4 victory in front of 1,824 at Lancaster Municipal Stadium.

Cody Morrison (7-4) got the win for the JetHawks, despite giving up the game-tying homer to Ludwick. Morrison struck out two before giving way to Caleb Balbuena in the ninth.

Balbuena struck out one and earned his first save of the year.

First baseman Craig Kuzmic led off the ninth with an infield single. Third baseman Bo Robinson followed with a single and designated hitter, Freddy May hit into a force play to put runners on first and third with one out.

Maynard was initially given a squeeze sign, but popped his first bunt attempt foul. Lancaster Manager Mark Parent said he then gave Maynard the green light.

Maynard came through with a fly ball to deep right field to put the JetHawks ahead, 5-4.

"He managed to stay in there," Parent said. "He had a really good at bat. Too many batters will go up there and get caught up. I let him have a swing and he hung in there."

The win is the sixth in a row for the JetHawks, tying a season high, and Lancaster is 51-33 overall and 11-3 in the second half. San Bernardino lost Wednesday night, falling a game behind the JetHawks, who now have sole possession of first place.

Modesto is 6-8 in the second half and 45-38 overall after winning the first-half title in the North Division.

After the first inning, Modesto starter Mark Seaver gave up two hits and two walks over the next five innings before being pulled.

"Seaver really settled down," Parent said. "He's a really good pitcher and a really good prospect."

While Seaver was settling down, Lancaster starter Scott Atchison was wearing down. Modesto scored one in the fourth on Ludwick's first homer and two runs in the sixth, on four hits and one error. Atchison went 6 1/3 innings, struck out three, walked one and allowed three earned runs on 10 hits.

"Atchison started getting the ball up," Parent said. "And you have to stay down against Ludwick."

Lancaster second baseman Willie Bloomquist had three hits and a stolen base. Robinson finished 2for-4 with a pair of singles.

Andy Kimball (0-1) took the loss for Modesto. He went two innings, allowing three hits and Maynard's sacrifice fly. The run was unearned.

Uploaded July 6, 2000