JetHawks edged by 66ers to even series

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The JetHawks suffered a tough luck 3-2 loss to the Inland Empire 66ers on Saturday night at San Manuel Stadium.

Angel Rosa led off the bottom of the sixth with a blooper down the right field line. Ronnie Mitchell chased it down but his diving attempt came up short and Rosa was able to hustle into third for a triple. Cal Towey followed with a ground ball to second base to bring home the run and give Inland Empire (56-76) the go-ahead run. 

Lance McCullers (3-5) allowed the run and suffered the loss. He allowed one run over three innings as the piggyback starter. The right-hander struck out four, allowed two hits and walked one. 

The 66ers got on the board in the first inning against starter Kyle Westwood with a two-run home run off the bat of Dennis Raben.

Westwood would settle down and allow only the two runs on six hits over five innings. 

Lancaster (75-57) tied the game in the third inning. Mitchell led off with a walk against starter Austin Wood and scored on a Jack Mayfield double. 

Danny Miranda (2-1) relieved Wood and Brett Phillips sacrificed Mayfield to third base before he scored on a Chan Moon sacrifice fly. Both runs were charged to Wood. Miranda would end up throwing four innings for the win out of the bullpen.

The JetHawks had multiple opportunities late in the game. With two on and one out in the sixth inning, Danry Vasquez grounded into a double play. Lancaster loaded the bases in the seventh but Rio Ruiz struck out to leave the runners. The JetHawks left eight runner in the game and went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

Mark Sappington allowed a Mayfield single but struck out the side in the top of the ninth for his fourth save. 

The clubs are now tied for first place in the second hald standings at 31-31. The rubber game of the series is set for Sunday at San Manuel Stadium. Kent Emanuel will start against Dan Tobik. First pitch is 5:05 p.m.

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.