Milestone nears for struggling JetHawks

After a loss to San Bernardino, Lancaster is on the verge of equaling the franchise record for most consecutive losses

By DAVE RASBACH
Valley Press Staff Writer

But once again, it's one they'd prefer to avoid.

With a loss to Rancho Cucamonga today, the JetHawks would equal the longest losing streak in franchise history (10 games), set May 7-16 during the team's inaugural 1996 campaign.

A 9-7 loss to the San Bernardino Stampede on Sunday before 2,599 fans at San Bernardino Stadium put the JetHawks on the brink of equaling the mark for futility.

"We need a win very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very bad," JetHawks manager Darrin Garner said. "Ten very's. We've got to get one."

The Stampede (36-27), who at least kept pace with the Quakes in the race for the South Division first-half title, completed the fourgame series sweep, marking the third consecutive series sweep Lancaster has suffered.

The JetHawks continue to set new franchise records for games under .500 with each loss. The JetHawks' 20-43 record represents the lowest winning percentage (.317) in minor league baseball.

"It's real bad right now," said Lancaster first baseman Cirilo Cruz, who was ejected in the fifth inning. "This is getting frustrating."

Once again, nothing seemed to go right for Lancaster, whether on the mound, at the plate or in the field.

Not even starter Brandon Parker, who was the team's savior early in the season, could pull Lancaster out of the funk. Parker dropped his third consecutive decision to fall to 4-3 and didn't seem to have the same control he possessed early in the season, when he was one of the most impressive pitchers in the Cal League.

In his first seven starts through May 12, Parker was 4-0 with a 1.98 ERA, allowing 31 hits, 11 runs and 12 walks in 41 innings while striking out 48.

In his five starts since, those numbers have dipped to 0-3 with a 8.71 ERA and 33 hits, 24 runs and 10 walks allowed in 20 innings with 27 strikeouts. He also had his turn in the rotation skipped once after needing stitches to close a cut he suffered on Memorial Day.

"I think that layoff hurt him," Garner said. "He was starting to throw his curveball well before that. We need him to get back on track."

The Stampede touched Parker for six runs, four of which were earned, on eight hits and a walk in four-plus innings. The California League all-star needed 88 pitches to get that far.

Parker held a 2-1 advantage heading into the bottom of the third, but Chin-Feng Chen's basesloaded single plated John Hernandez with the game-tying run and Eric Riggs with the go-ahead run. Ismael Gallo also scored in the inning to give San Bernardino a 4-2 lead.

Back-to-back doubles by Chen and Robb Gorr, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI, chased Parker with no outs in the fifth and gave the Stampede a comfortable lead.

Once again, the Lancaster offense failed to generate much scoring against San Bernardino early, missing on a number of prime opportunities. The JetHawks stranded four runners in scoring position in the first five innings and left seven runners on either second or third in the game.

"We're not getting the big hit," Garner said. "I don't know if we're tight or what."

The JetHawks actually grabbed the lead in the first inning when Matt Sachse drew a bases-loaded walk and Ricky Magdaleno scored on a wild pitch by the Stampede's Steve Colyer (4-5).

Lancaster did rally for three runs in the top of the ninth, but left the tying run aboard. Bill Everly got the final two outs to pick up his 14th save of the season.