Bullpen holds it down in Lancaster loss

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. - Colton Welker homered in the first inning, and Heath Holder was strong out of the bullpen, but the JetHawks dropped their first road game of the season, 6-2, to the Lake Elsinore Storm on Thursday at The Diamond.
Welker blasted a solo shot off the score board in left field to give Lancaster (4-4) an early lead. The home run was his third of the season, matching teammate Roberto Ramos and Modesto's Gareth Morgan atop the Cal League leaderboard. The third baseman added a double later in the game to record his fifth multi-hit game of the season. 
JetHawks starter Trey Killian (0-1) tossed a scoreless first inning but ran into trouble shortly thereafter. The Storm (3-5) put three runs on the board against the righty in both the second and third innings to take an early 6-1 lead. 
Heath Holder relieved Killian in the fourth inning and dominated over four frames. The right-hander struck out seven, including five-consecutive hitters at one point, and did not allow a hit in a scoreless outing. 
Reliever Bryan Baker struck out two batters in a perfect eighth inning. 
The JetHawks loaded the bases in the ninth inning with one out but Gerardo Reyes struck out Willie Abreu and Welker to end the game. Starter Reggie Lawson (1-0) earned the win for the Storm. 
The four-game series continues on Friday at The Diamond. Brandon Gold (1-0) will start for Lancaster against Adrian Morejon (0-1). First pitch is 7 p.m.