JetHawks Open Season with a Win

LANCASTER, Calif. - The Lancaster JetHawks opened up 2018 with a 9-7 win over the Modesto Nuts Thursday night in front of 4,207 at The Hangar. Willie Abreu led the way for the 'Hawks with two home runs as part of a 13-hit effort for the offense.

Lancaster (1-0) wasted no time on offense, scoring four times in the first inning. Colton Welker put the JetHawks on the board with an RBI single. Vince Fernandez, Roberto Ramos and Brian Servin each drove in a run in the frame as well.
In the second, the JetHawks went back-to-back for the team's first two home runs of the season. With one on and one out, Abreu launched the first of his two long balls on the night to right field. Welker followed with a solo shot to left field.
Modesto (0-1) didn't back down after being put in an early 7-0 hole. The Nuts scored the next seven runs, tying the game at seven on a Joe Rizzo single in the sixth inning.
The JetHawks answered back immediately, with Abreu coming through again. The outfielder took Modesto reliever Colin Rodgers (0-1) deep to put Lancaster up 9-7, providing the margin of victory.
Lancaster's bullpen allowed just two runs over four innings of work, with Heath Holder (1-0) earning the win. Reid Humphrey's picked up the save in his first appearance.
The opening series continues Friday night in Lancaster, with Matt Dennis starting for the JetHawks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm at The Hangar.