'Hawks caught in eye of the Storm

Three players were hospitalized after Sunday's bench clearing brawl at The Hanger

In a game that was marred by a bench-clearing brawl fit for World Wrestling Federation choreographers, the JetHawks used their second multi-homer game of the season to beat the Lake Elsinore Storm before 3,009 fans at The Hangar.

Bad blood between the JetHawks and Storm had been building since the series opener Friday, when Lake Elsinore catcher Steve Hagins hit three home runs and Lancaster followed by beaning the next batter, Nelson Castro, twice. Even though the second beaning, which came from Julio Mateo, was an obvious accident, Lake Elsinore still harbored some resentment.

"I know they were upset by that," JetHawks manager Rick Burleson said.

To add fuel to the oncoming fire, Lancaster's Cirilo Cruz Jr. was hit twice Saturday, once on a pitch that almost went behind him.

What was just tension in the first two games exploded in the fifth inning Sunday on the first pitch after Jayson Bass blasted his first home run of the season over the right-field fence to give Lancaster a 6-0 lead.

Storm pitcher Jason Stephens immediately beaned Anton French, hitting him in the side. Home-plate umpire Ryan Bleiburg threw Stephens out for intentionally throwing at French, but the Lancaster outfielder was already halfway to the mound.

French delivered a punch to Stephens' face, which may have been the shot that broke Stephens' nose. Both benches cleared and numerous punches were thrown in the altercation that ensued.

"The whole team had to stick up for Anton," JetHawks pitcher Patrick Dunham said. "It's an ugly part of baseball, but he has to defend himself."

"You could tell this was brewing since the first game," said Brendan Kingman, who hit his third home run of the season in the sixth inning. "No one wants it to happen, but you have to protect yourself."

The fight resulted in three ejections - French, Lancaster pitcher Kevin Gryboski and Lake Elsinore pitcher Keith Volkman. They joined Stephens and Storm manager Mario Mendoza, who was ejected two batters earlier for arguing a close call at first base.

French and Gryboski weren't the only Lancaster players to leave the game. Outfielder Matt Sachse and catcher Francisco Santiesteban were taken to Antelope Valley Hospital, along with Stephens, for treatment of injuries incurred during the fight.

Santiesteban went for stitches to close a gash he received across the bridge of his nose. JetHawks trainer Troy McIntosh said he didn't expect the catcher to miss any playing time.

Unfortunately, the news wasn't as good for Sachse, who suffered a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. Sachse was placed on the disabled list Monday and could miss up to a month, Burleson said.

The players involved must await their penalties from the league offices.

Under rules on the advanced Class A level, any combatant in a fight will receive a minimum fine of $150 and a three-game suspension without pay. This rule could apply to French, Gryboski, Stephens and Volkman.

Under the same set of rules, any player who leaves his position, whether in the field or on the bench, for a fight will be fined a minimum of $50.

Cal League President Joe Gagliardi received information from umpires and other people who witnessed the brawl Monday and will most likely levy fines and suspensions today.