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Two JetHawks have big nights in loss

Shirley fans nine to tie team-high and Meredith drives in four
May 18, 2013

VISALIA, Calif. - Tommy Shirley and Brandon Meredith did what they could to get the JetHawks a win on Saturday night.

Shirley fanned nine batters over four innings of work and Meredith drove in four runs but it wasn't enough as Lancaster fell to the Visalia Rawhide, 8-4, in the final game of a four game series at Rawhide Ballpark.

Shirley, who got the start, allowed two runs (one earned) over four innings but had to be pulled from the game before the fifth inning because of a high pitch count. His strike out total matches Luis Cruz for the team-high this season.

Meredith gave the left-hander the lead in the fourth inning when he hit a towering three-run home run to left field. The shot was the outfielder's second home run of the season, and the week, and put the JetHawks ahead, 4-2.

Meredith had picked up Lancaster's first run in the second inning when he hit a sacrifice fly to score Matt Duffy. He increased his RBI total from eight to 12.

Tandem starter Blair Walters (3-1) struggled in the sixth inning and the Rawhide came back to take the lead.

Sean Jamieson led off the inning with a triple and scored on an Adam Eaton squeeze bunt. Telvin Nash's underhand toss to first base was wild for an error that allowed Evan Marzilli to move to third base.

With Gerson Montilla at the plate, Eaton attempted to steal second and catcher M.P. Cokinos' throw went off the glove of Delino DeShields for an error that allowed Marzilli to score and tie the game. Montilla followed with a double to put Visalia ahead.

T.J. Geith came on in relief with one out in the sixth inning and stranded two runners to keep the deficit at one run.

Walters lasted just a third of an inning and was charged with three runs (one earned).

The Visalia bullpen took it from there. Conrad Flynn, Seth Simmons and Kaleb Fleck allowed just one hit the rest of the way. Flynn (3-2) picked up the win.

Montilla added to the Visalia lead with a two-run homer in the eighth inning against Geith and Jake Lamb later scored on a Michael Perez ground ball.

The JetHawks (24-18) head home after dropping three of four to the Rawhide. They will take on the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in the first game of a three game series on Sunday afternoon at The Hangar. First pitch is 2:00 pm for Family in the Park Sunday. Fans can play catch on the field and get autographs before the game. Kids can run the bases after.

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.