Monahan’s Triple Sparks JetHawks’ 7-Run Outburst

The JetHawks accidentally started hitting in the eighth inning of Wednesday night’s game.

Shane Monahan, who was unable to get down a sacrifice, instead yanked a two-strike triple into right field, driving in the JetHawks’ first two runs and sparking a seven-run inning.

The JetHawks turned an anemic offensive performance into a 8-1 victory over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at the Epicenter in the opening game of the second half.

“Our bats were still on vacation for seven innings,” Manager Dave Brundage said. “They finally woke up.”

The JetHawks, who had only four singles through seven innings against Quake starter Keith Davis, greeted reliever Todd Hammerschmidt with a single and a walk before Monahan’s league-leading seventh triple, which was the first of five consecutive hits.

“I was still thinking about bunting on 3 and 2,” Monahan said. “Then I figured I would try to see if I could chop it into the ground. I figured he would come inside and I guess I guessed right.”

The final hit was Doug Carroll’s three-run home run on the first pitch from reliever Craig Clayton, a former Cal State Northridge standout who was released by the Seattle Mariners in spring training. Clayton was making his first appearance with the Quakes after signing with the San Diego Padres last month.

Carroll, who joined the JetHawks from the Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers before the game, had three hits. The JetHawks had nine hits in the final two innings.

JetHawk reliever Clint Gould (2-1) was the beneficiary of the late outburst. Gould pitched two scoreless innings, picking up after starter Trey Moore gave up one run through six. Tom Szimanski pitched the ninth.

The Quakes were clinging to a 1-0 lead since the first inning.

JetHawks 8, Rancho Cucamonga 1

JetHawks 000 000 071 -- 8 13 2

Rancho Cucamonga 100 000 000 -- 1 7 1

Moore, Gould (7), Szimanski (9) and Sealy; Davis, Hammerschmidt (8), Clayton (8) and Davis.

W--Gould (2-1).L--Hammerschmidt (5-2).

2B: J--Marquez, Clifford, Sealy; RC--Gama. 3B: J--Monahan. HR:J--Carroll (8).

Records: JetHawks 1-0; Rancho Cucamonga 0-1.