JetHawks bitten by family laden Rattlers

Instead, Wisconsin shelled a parade of JetHawks pitchers for 18 hits, 10 for extra bases, in a scheduled 12-inning contest 11-6.

"It's a real long day when you come out and play your own guys," Lancaster utility man Craig Kuzmic said. "You're supposed to know these pitchers and it just turned into a long day.

"Hopefully we can get something out of this."

Wisconsin, the Seattle Mariners' Class A team in the Midwest League, garnered most of its offensive pop from home runs by four different players.

Mike Abate hit a two-run homer in the sixth to tie the game at three.

One inning later Gorky Estrella hit a three-run bomb to left field and two batters later Justin Leone hit a solo shot.

"We had to give the fringe guys a look today," JetHawks pitching coach Scott Budner said. "It's crunch time for some of these guys.

"We're not looking for wins and losses, strikeouts and walks. We're looking at what they can do and whether they're learning and progressing."

The Mariners top pick from 1999, catcher Ryan Christianson, capped off the Timber Rattlers' home-run derby with a solo shot to lead off the 12th.

"There were a lot of mistakes out there today," JetHawks manager Mark Parent said. "It's all stuff that shouldn't be happening toward the end of spring. It's all bonehead stuff. A lack of concentration is no excuse just because it's a long day.

"It doesn't mean you can do stupid things. Like I've said, players are going to weed themselves out at the end of spring."

To start the day, Parent sent out Seattle's other No. 1 pick from 1999, pitcher Jeff Heaverlo.

Heaverlo completed the first four innings, surrendering one earned run while scattering five hits.

"When Jeff made a bad pitch today he came back and adjusted well," Parent said. "That's what you expect from your pitchers.

"He has a lot of poise out there. I'm very impressed with Heaverlo."

After Heaverlo left the game with the score knotted 1-1, it was difficult to tell which squad was the more experienced on the mound and at the plate.

After nine innings, Lancaster trailed 8-3 to a Wisconsin team that featured only one player, pitcher Matt Thornton, with a complete season of pro ball under his belt.

"Its got to get better for us," Parent said. "We're trying to nip all of the problems in the bud while we are here."
JetHawks hot and cold

Outfielder Mike Marchiano started his weekend right with a pair of doubles in five at-bats Saturday and drove in two runs.

Catcher Kevin Robles (2-for-2) and Craig Kuzmic (2-for-3, double) were the only other Lancaster players with multiple-hit games on Saturday.

After a 4-for-8 stint with Seattle to start the spring, shortstop Antonio Perez continues to struggle with Class-A Lancaster.

He was bumped on the lineup card from first to second and responded with an unimpressive 1for-5 finish that included being picked-off from first after his only hit.

Uploaded March 27, 2000