Alaniz goes eight strong for win
Alaniz (6-2), who allowed nine runs in his last start, allowed just four hits - three of them singles - and struck out four en route to his team-high sixth win. The right-hander went eight innings for the third time this season and brought his innings total to 83 1/3 through 13 starts.
The JetHawks scored three runs off starter Max Russell (3-5) to help Alaniz. In the fourth inning, Chris Epps drove a two-out double over the head of centerfielder Travis Witherspoon to score Rafael Valenzuela and give his team a 1-0. Epps has now hit safely in all four of his games as a JetHawk.
Telvin Nash added to the lead in the sixth inning with his 17th home run of the season. Erik Castro, who had doubled to start the inning, scored on the shot to straightaway centerfield. Lancaster led 3-0.
Alaniz worked out of a jam in the seventh inning with some help from Epps. Taylor Lindsey singled with one out and moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Randal Grichuk followed by hitting a shot to centerfield. Epps raced back, leaped at the warning track and made the catch to rob the 66ers of a run. Lindsey was left at third after a groundout.
The JetHawks added an insurance run in the ninth inning. Enrique Hernandez picked up an RBI with a single to centerfield scoring Alex Todd.
Jason Chowning entered the game in the bottom of the ninth but struggled in the non-save situation. Brian Hernandez led off the inning with a double down the right field line. Chowning was able to get the next two batters out without allowing Hernandez to score but Grichuk came through with a single to end the shutout.
Ricky Pacione joined Grichuk on the bases after an infield single and then Jett Bandy drove a double into the left field gap to score Grichuk and put the tying runs in scoring position.
Kirk Clark came in from the bullpen to replace Chowning and induced a game-ending fly out off the bat of Brennan Gowens to pick up his seventh save.
The JetHawks (33-30) and 66ers (29-34) will play the rubber game of the three game series on Sunday afternoon at San Manuel Stadium. Lancaster is 6-1 in rubber games this season. David Martinez (1-3, 6.18) will start against Manny Correa (3-3, 3.03). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm.
With seven games remaining in the first half the JetHawks are in a three-way tie for second place in the South Division, one game behind first place Lake Elsinore. They are tied with the High Desert and Rancho Cucamonga.
Great JetHawks ticket packages and single game tickets are on sale now. Special group discounts are also available. For more information please visit www.jethawks.com or call the JetHawks box office at (661) 726-5400.