Serven, Castro lead 'Hawks to win in slugfest

LANCASTER, Calif. - The Lancaster JetHawks got the better of Lake Elsinore in a high-scoring affair Wednesday night, winning 17-11 over the Storm. Brian Serven and Luis Castro led the way, combining for seven hits as the JetHawks went for a season-high 17 runs and five home runs.

Lancaster (20-14, 53-51) scored the first five runs of the game. Tyler Nevin led off the second inning with the first of the team's five home runs. After the Storm scored a run in the top of the fifth, Brian Serven hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning to make it 7-1.
Serven started the night with hits in each of his first three at-bats. The home run gave him a hit in nine consecutive at-bats, one shy of the California League record. He walked in the seventh, but struck out in the eighth to bring the streak to an end. He finished the night 3-for-4 with three RBI and four runs scored.
Luis Castro had four hits for a second-straight night, adding a three run home run in the seventh inning. Castro went 4-for-5 with three RBI and four runs scored. He is 11-for-19 in five games with Lancaster so far.
In the eighth inning, the JetHawks scored five more runs. Vince Fernandez hit a two-run home run to celebrate his birthday. Later, Manny Melendez hit a three-run shot to give Lancaster 17 runs.
Brian Baker (4-2) pitched an inning in relief to earn the win. He was the only pitcher for either team Wednesday not to allow an earned run.
Lake Elsinore (17-17, 51-53) lost despite recording 19 hits. The Storm scored 11 runs after the fourth inning, but were chasing Lancaster all night. The JetHawks scored five runs against Storm starter Nick Margevicius (2-2).
For the first time all season, the JetHawks have won three consecutive series. Lancaster is now 20-14 in the Second Half, and they lead Lake Elsinore and Inland Empire by two games in the overall standings.
Lancaster goes for the sweep Thursday night. Brandon Gold (7-6) takes the hill for the JetHawks in the final against Emmanuel Ramirez (5-3). First pitch from The Hangar is set for 6:35 pm.