Ending Skid Was Imperfect Act

The JetHawks snapped their four-game losing streak, longest of the season, in memorable fashion Monday.

Or forgettable, depending on your point of view.

First, the positives. In beating the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, 12-10, the JetHawks had 12 hits, breaking out of a hitting malaise in which the team batted only .237 while losing six of eight games.

The JetHawks also made only one error--and that was on a tough play by shortstop Luis Molina--after making 21 in the previous six games.

But, as things have gone lately for the JetHawks, when one thing starts to go right, another falters. On Monday, it was pitching.

Starter Marino Santana did not pitch badly, giving up four runs and leaving after six innings with the score tied. The normally reliable Jeff Pearce and the recently improved John Thompson were charged with six runs in 2 2/3 innings.

Tom Szimanski recorded the final out with the tying run in scoring position, picking up a save and sending the JetHawks scampering out of the ballpark counting their blessings for squeaking one victory out of the four-game series.

“We’ll take any win we can get,” said catcher Scot Sealy, whose two-run home run in the eighth gave the JetHawks their first lead. “It’s not the prettiest, but it’s a win.”

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With Jose Cruz Jr. still out until at least Thursday and more likely Friday, the JetHawks’ revolving outfield continued Tuesday. Second baseman Jason Cook, whose lifetime outfield experience consists of 20 games last season, was Tuesday’s starter in left field.

Outfielder Shane Monahan, mired in a two-for-15 slump, got his first day off of the season. . . . Because catcher Dusty Wathan is still nagged by a sore back, No. 3 catcher Andy Augustine earned his fourth start of the season, and first at home.

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Tonight’s Game:

Lake Elsinore (Brian Cooper, 2-2, 3.66) at JetHawks (Chris Beck, 4-1, 2.31), 7:15.