JETHAWKS REPORT : Cruz Might Help End the Strain Today

Jose Cruz Jr.’s return to the lineup should come today. And not a moment too soon for the JetHawks.

While the JetHawk outfielder missed 12 of 13 games before Saturday with a strained groin, the JetHawks went 3-9. The team average without Cruz in the lineup was .247, compared to .300 with him.

“It’s mental, just knowing we are better with him in the lineup,” Manager Dave Brundage said. “He’s just one guy and he’s not the reason we have lost eight of nine, but he certainly adds some offense.”

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Right-hander Ivan Montane, whose weakness was his inconsistency, is on a roll of solid starts. On Friday night Montane pitched six innings, giving up three runs, below the average in the California League.

Montane has had five consecutive starts in which he gave up three runs or fewer.

“He’s showing a lot of consistency and that’s what we’ve been looking for for a couple years,” Brundage said. “He’s having good starts back to back to back.”

One problem Montane has not been able to avoid is the slow start. He’s given up first-inning runs in three of his past four starts.

“Maybe it’s butterflies or something,” Montane said. “It’s good to be psyched up, but there’s a difference between being ready to go out and pitch and going out to throw.”

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The JetHawks turned four highlight-reel-caliber defensive plays on Friday night, including center fielder Marcus Sturdivant’s diving catch that was so spectacular players were checking the videotape to see it again on Saturday. Sturdivant said it was the best catch of his career.

The other nice plays were third baseman Carlos Villalobos’ barehanded pickup and throw on a bunt; a diving stop by second baseman Jason Cook; and a turn of a double play by shortstop Luis Molina while he was being flipped by the oncoming runner.

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Today’s Game

Stockton (Greg Beck, 3-2, 3.95) at JetHawks (Ken Cloude, 2-1, 3.82), 2 p.m.