By CHRIS BRANAM
Valley Press Staff Writer
MODESTO - The JetHawks seemed to have turned the corner in the midst of their longest road trip of the season.
After a 4-5 homestand, Lancaster won its second in a row over Modesto on Sunday, beating the A's 7-2 to improve to 6-3 on the road trip.
"I'm happy whenever we win," JetHawks manager Rick Burleson said. "Hopefully we can keep it on a roll for a while and see how it goes."
JetHawks starter Rob Luce (6-1) scattered 10 hits and struck out four in seven innings. He vaulted into the California League lead in wins and moved up to second in ERA (1.99).
After giving up nine runs (all unearned) in 5 2/3 innings vs. Bakersfield on April 30, Luce has given up just three earned runs in his last two starts, both victories.
The JetHawks gave Luce an early cushion, scoring all seven of their runs in the first four innings.
James Clifford's seventh homer came on the first pitch of the second inning by A's starter Scott Rivette. Chris Dean hit Rivette's first pitch in the third for a homer, his third.
Lancaster didn't commit an error and Jason Bond pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Luce.
"We're not making the mistakes we made earlier (this season) in the field," Burleson said. "(And) the pitching has stepped it up."