'Hawks clinch South's top record with win

ADELANTO, Calif. - The JetHawks clinched the best overall record in the South Division with a rubber game victory over the High Desert Mavericks, 7-5, on Thursday night at Heritage Field. 

The JetHawks (78-58) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Brett Phillips grounded a ball to first base with runners at first and third and Burt Reynolds bobbled it for an error. James Ramsay scored on the play. Austin Elkins followed with a two-run double.

Reynolds made up for it with a solo home run in the bottom of the second off of JetHawks starter Brian Holmes. Holmes did not factor into the decision after allowing two runs on seven hits in four innings. 

Jamaine Cotton (2-4) tossed a scoreless fifth inning to earn the win. 

Lancaster took a 5-2 lead into the fifth inning before Jack Mayfield and Brett Phillips each hit solo home runs off Mavericks starter Scott DeCecco (7-11). The left-hander ended up allowing seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits over five innings. The home runs put Lancaster ahead, 7-2. 

Evan Grills entered in the sixth inning and allowed three runs before settling down to toss scoreless innings over the next two frames. 

Andrew Walter pitched the ninth inning to earn his third save. 

The JetHawks head home to host the Inland Empire 66ers in the final series of the season. Lance McCullers will start Friday night's 6:30 p.m. game. There will be a Beach Boys Fireworks Show following the contest. 

Don't miss a moment of exciting JetHawks action at The Hangar in 2014. Playoff tickets and other great ticket packages are on sale now. To order, call (661) 726-5400 or visit jethawks.com.