JetHawks top Quakes

"Do you know how many games we're out of the playoffs?" Closser asked.

A week ago, Closser wouldn't have even thought of the question. Saying JetHawks and playoffs in the same sentence without laughing was difficult. But the JetHawks have won six of their last seven games, including their last four.

Saturday's victory, coupled with High Desert's 14-4 loss to San Bernardino, puts the JetHawks in a tie for third place in the South Division's second-half race and eight games behind the Mavericks for the final playoff spot.

The JetHawks have beat up on the Quakes with a balanced offensive attack - three games, three different heroes. Closser and Billy Martin took their turns Thursday and Friday, and Robby Hammock led the way Saturday.

"Ever since I've had Robby, he's been a clutch player," JetHawks manager Scott Coolbaugh said. "He enables us to get a little more protection for Billy (Martin), and adds one more guy that can come through in the clutch."

Hammock batted 3-for-5 with hits in his first three at-bats. He singled and stole second in the first, doubled in a run in the second and hit a home run in the third. He drove in two runs and scored two runs.

After struggling in Class-AA El Paso earlier in the season, Hammock's had success in Lancaster by getting regular at-bats and keeping the ball up the middle. He's split time between catcher and the outfield, and played both positions Saturday.

"I like to be valuable wherever they need somebody to play," Hammock said.

A catcher by trade, Hammock immediately took to the left-field job, and has made some impressive plays. His willingness to play anywhere has rubbed off on his teammates, and helped transform the clubhouse from a gloomy atmosphere after a rough June to an upbeat one.

And putting Hammock's productive bat (24 RBI in 26 games in Lancaster) in the middle of the order has boosted the whole lineup. Martin, Jeff Waldron and Brian Gordon each drove in two runs on Saturday, and Closser and Jamie Sykes had two hits each.

"That's what it takes for a team to go through a period like we're doing right now," Coolbaugh said. "We've got to have everyone contribute."

The JetHawks scored three in the first inning on four consecutive singles, and Hammock doubled a run home in the second. After Hammock opened the fifth inning with his homer, the JetHawks broke the game open with three more runs on three singles and two walks.

Starting pitcher Doug Slaten made it stand with one of his best outings of the season. For just the third time this season, he allowed one run or less - letting up a run in the sixth inning before exiting for the bullpen.

"It's probably the best I've felt all season," Slaten said. "Stuff-wise, maybe it wasn't, but it felt like I had some fluidity. I've kind of felt herky-jerky all year."

Slaten (6-7) stayed near the plate throughout the game and got the Quakes to hit into outs. He struck out just two, but was rarely threatened. In the first five innings, just one batter reached third base. He allowed three hits and walked two batters.

The Quakes broke Slaten's shutout bid in the sixth, on his last pitch. G.J Raymundo singled Ryan Zeber home. Raymundo tried to reach second, but Hammock threw him out. Slaten had thrown 89 pitches, so Coolbaugh called in his bullpen to finish the game.

Quakes starter Phil Wilson (7-10) allowed eight runs, seven earned, in six innings. He walked four and struck out five.

Brian Matzenbacher pitched two shutout innings, and Jay Belflower closed out the game in the ninth, allowing the JetHawks' minds to graze in playoff pastures.

Uploaded August 13, 2001