Patience pays off in lineup's big night

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. - The JetHawks walked nine times, were hit by three pitches and knocked 12 hits en route to an 8-4 win, the team's fourth straight, against the Lake Elsinore Storm at The Diamond on Wednesday night.

Lancaster hitters were patient against Storm starter Frank Garces (2-2), forcing him to make 81 pitches before being removed after just three innings. They tallied five runs on eight hits against the left-hander.

Telvin Nash and Chris Epps each doubled in runs and Nolan Fontana had a two-RBI single in a four-run third inning.

Preston Tucker and Epps doubled in runs in a three run fourth inning to break the game open.

Nash continued his hot start going 2-for-3 with a walk. Epps became the first JetHawk to double twice in the same game.

Fontana continued to get on base at a near .500 pace, reaching on five of six plate appearances. He had two hits and walked three times.

Matt Duffy got the scoring started for the JetHawks in the first inning. In his first at-bat since missing a week with an ankle injury, Duffy singled in Fontana to extend his team-high hitting streak to 11 games. The third baseman finished with three hits on the night.

Tyson Perez (1-0) picked up his first win of the season. The right-hander allowed four runs - three earned - on five hits.

David Rollins, the piggy-back starter, picked up his second save, allowing just one hit over four innings of work. The left-hander struck out three and did not allow a walk.

Lancaster (13-6) will look for the sweep of the Storm (5-14) on Thursday night in Lake Elsinore. First pitch is at 7:05 pm.

Aaron West and Luis Cruz will pitch for the JetHawks. All the action can be heard live on Newstalk 1380 and at jethawks.com.

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.