Stampede runs over beleaguered JetHawks again

A common Lancaster theme, lack of offense, repeated itself against San Bernardino in the team's eighth straight loss

By DAVE RASBACH
Valley Press Staff Writer

Through the last eight games, the Lancaster JetHawks haven't been scoring runs. Not surprisingly, they haven't been winning games either.

That streak continued Saturday, as the San Bernardino Stampede topped Lancaster 5-1 before 4,925 fans at San Bernardino Stadium.

The game marked the seasonhigh eighth consecutive loss for the JetHawks (20-42), who still own the worst winning percentage in minor league baseball. The longest losing streak in franchise history is the 10-game skein set in May of 1996.

The Stampede (35-27), meanwhile, kept pace with Rancho Cucamonga in the chase for the South Division first-half title.

The JetHawks entered Saturday having scored only 20 runs during their losing streak. Seven of those came in the first four innings of a June 4 game at Rancho Cucamonga, which marked the first game of the losing skid.

The JetHawks did manage four runs each in the first two games against San Bernardino on Thursday and Friday, but missed numerous scoring opportunities that would have allowed them the chance at a victory.

That story continued Saturday, as the JetHawks - who have scored 16 runs in their first six games against the Stampede - managed only one run on five hits and two walks. They struck out eight times.

Lancaster, which has more strikeouts (34) then base hits (27) in the first three games of the series, wasted a prime scoring chance in the seventh, when Cirilo Cruz and Rafael Lopez opened the inning with back-to-back singles.

Neither moved an inch after that, as Matt Sachse struck out, Harvey Hargrove popped out and pinch hitter Jermaine Clark grounded out to first base.

The JetHawks' lone run came after Scott Maynard opened the third with a double down the leftfield line, advanced to third and scored on a wild pitch by Adrian Burnside (4-2).

Lancaster has not had an RBI base hit in two games.

Maynard was later injured in a three-run sixth inning that helped the Stampede break open the game. Bubba Crosby, who was attempting to score from second on Brett Illig's single back up the middle, collided with Maynard at home plate. The Lancaster catcher was helped off the field, favoring his left leg.

San Bernardino ended up rocking JetHawks starter Jeff Farnsworth for four hits in the inning to make the score 5-1. Robb Gorr added a solo home run in the eighth off Joe Victery.

Farnsworth (1-5), started strong after hitting the first batter of the game and allowing a single up the middle to Ismael Gallo.