Holder strong in first start, but 'Hawks fall

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Heath Holder delivered four shutout innings in the first start of his professional career, but the JetHawks dropped the series opener to the Inland Empire 66ers, 8-3, on Thursday night at San Manuel Stadium.
Holder allowed just one hit, struck out 6 and walked two over his four frames. The right-hander's previous 72 appearances in his three-year professional career had all been out of the bullpen.
Holder went toe-to-toe with Inland Empire starter Joe Gatto (1-0) through the first four innings, but Lancaster's bullpen was unable to keep pace.
Reliever Kenny Oakley (0-1) walked two batters with two outs in the fifth to load the bases. Jonah Todd cleared the bases with a triple to right field and immediately scored on a Jack Kruger double to put the 66ers up, 4-0.
Inland Empire (7-8) added two more runs apiece against relievers Alexander Guillen and Bryan Baker.
The JetHawks (7-8) were unable to figure out Gatto, who allowed three hits and struck out nine batters over six innings.
Max George helped the JetHawks avoid a shut out in the eighth. He walked, stole second base, moved to third on a ground ball, and scored on Forrest Wall's infield single. Lancaster added two more runs in the ninth.
Brian Serven finished the game 1-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to seven games, the club's longest active streak.
All four South Division teams are now tied for first place at 7-8 through 15 games.
The four-game series continues on Friday at San Manuel Stadium. Rico Garcia (2-0) starts for Lancaster against Erik Manoah Jr. (0-1). First pitch is 7:05 p.m.