Lancaster survives to snap 7-game losing skid

Lancaster snapped its seven-game losing streak with a victory over Bakersfield

By DAVE RASBACH
Valley Press Staff Writer

Like they had five times in the previous seven games of their road trip, the JetHawks scored first to build an early lead.

And just like they had in those five games, they watched that lead slip through their fingers like grains of sand through an hourglass.

But this time, Lancaster had a surprise up its sleeve.

The JetHawks staged a comeback of their own, scoring three runs in the top of the sixth, to grab a 7-6 victory over Bakersfield before 743 fans at Sam Lynn Ballpark, ending a frustrating sevengame losing skid.

To get that victory, the JetHawks had to endure a furious ninth-inning charge from the Blaze that resembled a number of rallies that recently have cost the team wins. Jeff Allen, however, flew out to center with the bases loaded for the game's final out.

"I'm so excited I'm going to go have a beer, maybe two," JetHawks manager Darrin Garner said. "Winning is awesome."

In the process, Lancaster won its first game on a nine-game road trip, which has taken them to Rancho Cucamonga, Modesto and Bakersfield and will conclude today.

The JetHawks (12-21 second half, 35-68 overall) also avoided dropping 35 games under .500 for the first time in franchise history.

But it looked like Lancaster, which already owns the worst record in minor league baseball, was doomed to once again go down to defeat after claiming an early lead.

The JetHawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead with a Greg Connors RBI in the first inning and a solo homer from Cirilo Cruz in the second. But just like it did one night earlier, when it lost another 2-0 lead, Lancaster looked snakebitten in the third inning.

The Blaze rallied for three runs on five hits. Making things even more frustrating was none of the five hits - all off starter Greg Wooten - were particularly well hit.

"I've definitely heard of that happening before," Wooten (5-3) said. "But I've never seen them string five of them together like that. But you can't let it get to you."

Arturo McDowell got things started with a bunt down the third-base line that tip-toed away from the foul line for an infield single. Guillermo Rodriguez then sent a flare over the head of Clark at second base.

After Steve Hill's sacrifice bunt, Clay Greene's high-hopper over Jason Regan's head plated McDowell with the Blaze's first run of the game.

Tony Torcato then blooped an RBI single to left, before Allen's sacrifice fly to right scored Greene with the go-ahead run.

But this time, it was the JetHawks' turn to play the role of spoiler.

Patrick Williams, who was hit by a Manny Bermudez (4-11) pitch to start the sixth inning, scored on Bermudez's balk to get the rally rolling and tie the game, 3-3.

Greg Connors then scored from third base on Alex Fernandez's RBI fielder's choice. That run once again gave Lancaster the lead, which Fernandez added to on Wilfredo Quintana's RBI single to center.

"I was standing there at third base and I couldn't believe it," Garner said. "Finally a few of the breaks started going our way."

Wooten made that 5-3 lead stand by continuing the mastery over the Blaze he showed in every inning except the third. The 6-foot7 right-hander struck out seven and held the Blaze to seven hits and two walks in his eight innings of work.

Zach Stark registered his second save of the season.

Uploaded July 28, 1999