JetHawks Comeback Comes Up Short

(LANCASTER, CA) - JetHawks outfielder George Springer hit a game-tying grand slam in the top of the sixth but Lancaster fell to the High Desert Mavericks, 9-7, in the season opener Thursday night. The Astros' first round pick in 2011 went 2-for-4 with 5 RBI in front of a crowd of 1,891 at Mavericks Stadium.

With two out, Springer hit a full count pitch over the center field fence to tie the game at seven. High Desert (1-0) responded with the game-winning runs in the bottom of the sixth against JetHawks (0-1) reliever Alex Sogard.

Mavericks shortstop Sean Miller tripled home Julio Morban and Stefan Romero followed the triple with an RBI-double, the final run-scoring play of the night. Both Miller and Romero hit two-run home runs earlier in the game.

The Mavericks jumped out to quick three run lead off starting pitcher David Martinez thanks in part to Romero's homer in the bottom of the first.

The JetHawks got on the board in the top of the second when leftfielder Telvin Nash hit an opposite field home run to make the score 3-1. Martinez continued to struggle in the bottom of the second, however, giving up three runs including Miller's two-run homer. Martinez gave up six runs in four innings of work.

Lancaster scored runs in the top of the third and fourth off Mavs starting pitcher Anthony Fernandez. Reliever Jose Jimenez replaced Fernandez with a four run lead after the fifth inning.

Jonathan Meyer started the top of the sixth by reaching first base on a Miller error. Rene Garcia singed with one out and Jiovanni Mier walked to load the bases and set the stage for Springer's grand slam. All four runs were unearned.

Mavs pitcher Austin Hudson (1-0) replaced Jimenez and retired all four batters he faced to pick up the win. Jonathan Arias pitched a scoreless top of the ninth to record the save. Sogard (0-1) was the losing pitcher.

Both teams had to battle cold and windy conditions throughout the game. By the ninth inning, temperatures had dipped into the low 40s with a wind chill in the 30s.

The season-opening four game series continues Friday night in Adelanto. Ruben Alaniz will get the start for Lancaster against Chris Sorce. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm. You can hear all the action live on Newstalk 1380 and jethawks.com starting at 6:50pm with the JetHawks pregame show.

The JetHawks open their home schedule Thursday, April 12 against the Lake Elsinore Storm. Great JetHawks ticket packages and single game tickets are on sale now. Special group discounts are also available. For more information please visit www.jethawks.com or call the JetHawks box office at (661) 726-5400.