Ports rally for 2-0 lead in Cal Finals

Josh Horton's two-run double keyed a four-run eighth inning that lifted the Stockton Ports to a 5-3 victory over the Lancaster JetHawks on Friday, giving them a 2-0 lead in the Calfornia League Championship Series.

Trailing in the eighth, 3-1, the Ports put two runners on with one out as Alex Valdez singled and Archie Gilbert walked. Horton followed with a double to center to tie the game. One out later, Matthew Spencer reached on an error and scored with Gilbert on a errant throw by catcher Luis Exposito.

Pat Currin (1-1) picked up the win, despite allowing one run on two walks in 1 1/3 hitless frames. Sam Demel gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth to record his first postseason save.

Stockton starter Tyson Ross was charged with one run on four hits and a walk while fanning three over five frames.

Jon Still went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs for Lancaster, which hosts Game 3 on Saturday.

JetHawks reliever Derrick Loop (0-1) surrendered four runs -- two earned -- on two hits and a walk, striking out one, in 1 1/3 innings.