Lancaster Comes Back to Take Series Finale

Lancaster, CA: The Lancaster JetHawks (30-22) came from behind on Memorial Day to defeat the Inland Empire 66ers (18-34) at The Hangar 6-5. The 66ers led the contest 5-0 after three innings.

The Sixers got to Lancaster starter Gonzalo Sanudo in the second inning with two outs when Joe Weik launched a home run out to left with Wade Hinkle on base to make it 2-0 Inland Empire. It was Weik's first homer with Inland Empire and as a member of the Los Angeles Angels' organization after having his contract purchased from independent Amarillo early in the week.

Zach Wright continued his white-hot hitting at The Hangar in the third and in the process increased the IE lead to 5-0. The Goldsboro, NC native hammered a homer out to left for his third homer in the last two days and fourth of the four-game series. He now leads the club with five long balls. His homer scored Sherman Johnson and Jose Rondon. Rondon finished the game three-for-five. The Sixers would not score again.

Inland Empire starter Elliot Morris threw five scoreless innings in his California League debut but ran into trouble in the sixth. Carlos Correa singled for the JetHawks and was driven in by Rio Ruiz' double. An error on Rondon and a single by Danry Vazquez loaded the bases and chased Morris. Reliever Michael Morris came into a 5-1 game and promptly gave up a grand slam to Lancaster DH Dan Gulbransen that hit the right field foul pole and tied the game.

The game stayed tied until the bottom of the eighth when Vazquez beat out an infield single, his fourth hit of the game. Gulbransen then showed off his short game with a perfect sacrifice bunt. Roberto Pena then singled to center off reliever Jairo Diaz (2-3) to score Vazquez and give the JetHawks the 6-5 lead.

Daniel Minor, who had entered the game in the seventh inning tossed a perfect ninth to ice the game and improve to 4-1 on the year. The win gave the JetHawks the series three games to one.

Inland Empire starts a homestand on Tuesday at 7:05 pm versus the Modesto Nuts. The game can be heard live at 66ers.com.