JetHawks, Pioneers face off in exhibition

Exhibition game scheduled for April 2 at The Hangar

March 25, 2013

LANCASTER, Calif. - The Lancaster JetHawks will tune up for the 2013 season with an exhibition game against the University of Antelope Valley Pioneers on Tuesday, April 2 at The Hangar. The second exhibition game ever between the two teams will be a seven-inning game and is scheduled to begin at 5:00pm.

The exhibition game will be the first chance for fans to see returning manager Rodney Linares and the defending California League champions before they take the field on Opening Night against the High Desert Mavericks on April 4.

In last year's inaugural preseason matchup between the two teams, the JetHawks beat the Pioneers, 5-2. George Springer showed off the skills that would eventually earn him a spot on the Cal League All-Star team. The Astros first round pick in 2011 went 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Erik Castro also added a home run and a double and all-star pitcher Bobby Doran tossed a scoreless inning.

The Pioneers, who also play their home games at The Hangar, swept a doubleheader against La Sierra College on Sunday to improve to 20-5 on the season. The team, which is not currently affiliated with a college athletic association, is in the process of applying for membership to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They are 16-4 against NAIA schools this season.

"We expect to compete," said Pioneers Head Coach Bryan Moses. "This is a great opportunity for our players to play against and learn from very high caliber professional players. This opportunity means a lot to our program and the [University of Antelope Valley] community."

Tickets to the exhibition game are $5 and can be purchased in advance at the JetHawks box office located at The Hangar or by calling (661) 726-5400. All seating for the game will be general admission. Gates will open one hour before first pitch.

Don't miss the exciting 18th season of JetHawks baseball in Lancaster. The 2013 regular season opens Thursday, April 4 and ticket packages are available now. To order, call (661) 726-5400 or visit jethawks.com for more information.