Tucker homers in first loss of season

LANCASTER, Calif. - Preston Tucker hit a two-run home run in the third inning to give the JetHawks a 3-1 lead but the High Desert Mavericks answered with five runs in the fourth and went on to win, 7-3, on Friday night at The Hangar.

Jabari Blash hit a two-run shot to tie the game against JetHawks starter Brady Rodgers (0-1) and Kevin Rivers later drove in two runs with a single against reliever T.J. Geith as part of High Desert's five-run outburst in the fourth.

Rodgers, a third round pick in 2012 out of Arizona State, struck out five and walked three in 3 2/3 innings. The right-hander allowed four runs on six hits.

Cameron Hobson (1-0) settled down after a shaky first few innings to pick up the win for the Mavericks. The left-hander struck out six and walked one batter in five innings of work.

Jordan Pries allowed just one hit over three scoreless innings in relief and George Mieses tossed a scoreless ninth to end the game.

Lancaster's "piggy back" starter Chris Devenski allowed one run on four hits over three innings of work. He struck out two and walked a batter.

Matt Duffy picked up the first run of the game when he drove in Brandon Meredith with a single in the second inning. Meredith finished 2-for-3 with a hit by pitch.

Nolan Fontana went 1-for-5 with two strikeouts a day after his perfect Opening Night performance.

The JetHawks will take on the Mavs in game three of the opening series on Friday night. Tyson Perez will start on the mound and David Rollins will be the tandem starter. First pitch is at 7:00 pm and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a 2012 California League Championship banner presented by Beaven Insurance.

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.