DeShields a triple threat in 'Hawks win

LANCASTER, Calif. - The JetHawks used six extra-base hits, including two Delino DeShields' triples, to beat the Bakersfield Blaze, 11-4, on Saturday night at The Hangar.

Luis Cruz (1-0) was near perfect on the mound in his first start at The Hangar this season. The left-hander allowed just one hit over five scoreless innings. He struck out five and issued just one walk.

He outdueled Blaze ace Carlos Contreras (1-1). The right-hander, who had allowed just one earned run in each of his first three starts, was tagged for three runs (two earned) in the third inning.

With two men on, DeShields hit a triple to right field and then scored when the relay throw to third base skipped into foul territory. It was the first of four Blaze errors on the night.

The score remained 3-0 until the Blaze bullpen took over in the sixth. Preston Tucker launched his fifth home run of the season to right field to add to the lead.

After the Blaze scored one run against tandem starter Aaron West in the seventh, the JetHawks offense took over and broke the game open with a five-run inning.

A throwing error on a DeShields sacrifice bunt attempt allowed two runs to score and Zach Johnson added to two-RBI hit later in the frame. Tucker picked up the final run of the inning with a single.

Bakersfield scored three unearned runs against West in the eighth inning after Raoul Torrez had a ground ball go under his glove and down the left field line with the bases loaded and two outs. All three runs came around to score.

Nolan Fontana whacked a two-run double in the eighth inning to give Lancaster its final total of 11.

DeShields finished the night 3-for-3 with two triples, three runs scored and a stolen base.

The JetHawks (10-6) will try to split the series with a win in the final game on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Mike Foltynewicz will start and Bakersfield (5-11) will send Jonathan Moscot to the mound.

Join the JetHawks for Family in the Park Sunday and Dog Day at The Hangar. Fans can play catch on the field before the game and players will be out to sign autographs. Kids can come out on to the field and run the bases after the game. Dogs are welcome this Sunday as well. For $3, canines will have access to the berms on the left and right field sides.

Don't miss a moment of the 2013 season as the JetHawks look to repeat as California League Champions. Season tickets and great ticket packages are available now. To order, call (661) 726-5400 or visit jethawks.com.