Martin goes deep twice to lift 'Hawks in opener

Johnny Sewald delivers the game-winning single in the eighth

By Marshall Kelner

August 31, 2016

LANCASTER, Calif. - Jason Martin blasted two home runs to lead the JetHawks to a 5-4 victory over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Tuesday night at The Hangar in the series opener.

Martin homered in each of his first two at-bats to push his team leading total to 22. With the game tied 4-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Johnny Sewald delivered an RBI single that proved to be the game winner. Sewald also made a terrific diving catch in right field to end the top of the seventh inning and strand the tying run on base. In addition, he started a relay from right field to cut down a run at the plate in the sixth.

The JetHawks took the game's first lead with a run in the opening frame against Josh Ravin, who was making a major league rehab appearance and only pitched one inning. Sewald led off with a double, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored two batters later on Kyle Tucker's RBI ground out.

Rancho Cucamonga came back immediately with a pair in the second to surge ahead. Ariel Sandoval and Noah Perio each came through with RBI singles. Martin's first home run, a two run shot, in the bottom of the inning put the JetHawks back in front 3-2.

Andre Ethier, playing with the Quakes on a MLB rehab assignment from the Dodgers, led off the third with a single and came around to score with two out on an RBI single by Johan Mieses.

Martin hit a solo shot to give the JetHawks a 4-3 lead in the fourth. The Quakes tied the game with a run in the seventh on another two-out RBI single by Mieses, his third hit of the night.

Chris Murphy (1-1) earned his first win with the JetHawks with one and two-thirds shutout innings out of the bullpen. Andrew Thome picked up his third save with a shutout ninth.

The JetHawks (73-61) and Quakes (77-57) continue their three-game series on Wednesday night at The Hangar. First pitch is 6:35 p.m.

The JetHawks are celebrating their 20^th anniversary season in Lancaster. Great ticket packages and group events are on sale now at jethawks.com or by calling (661) 726-5400.