JETHAWKS UPDATE

After the JetHawks held their first night workout at Lancaster Municipal Stadium on Wednesday, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, mostly because of the more than 2,000 fans who attended.

Last season, when the team was in Riverside, it drew a league-low 821 fans a game.

“Nothing against Riverside, but we never had a crowd like that,” JetHawk outfielder Marcus Sturdivant said. “It really got the guys fired up to play.”

The players have noticed a few flaws in the ballpark, though. The pitching mound is too low and the hitters’ background does not block out headlights from the 14 Freeway.

“But I’m not going to complain too much,” Manager Dave Brundage said.

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Graig Nettles, a former All-Star third baseman, found himself managing the JetHawks’ opening-night opponent, the Bakersfield Blaze, by an unusual circumstance.

He was not approached about the job until Saturday, five days before the opener. Still, Nettles figured it would be a good challenge.

“Everything’s going OK now,” Nettles said. “Let’s see what happens when the games start.”

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Tonight’s game:

JetHawks (Marino Santana, 0-0) at Bakersfield (Toure Knighton, 0-0), 7:15.