Defense Helps JetHawks

The JetHawks used their gloves to turn four double plays, while the Stockton Ports’ gloves went awry Wednesday night at Billy Hebert Field.

The JetHawks won, 5-4, with Stockton committing four errors, three by outfielders that led to three unearned runs.

The JetHawks (22-25) trailed, 2-1, in the third inning before the Ports, winners of 19 of 23 games before Wednesday, unraveled.

Jesus Marquez delivered a two-run double and moved to third on a throwing error. He scored on a sacrifice fly by Scott Smith to give the JetHawks a 4-2 lead.

After Marquez added a run-scoring single in the fifth for a 5-2 lead, Stockton (26-21) scored single runs in the fifth and sixth.

The JetHawks avoided further damage by turning double plays in the sixth and eighth.

JetHawk starter Brett Hinchliffe (9-8) allowed eight hits in seven innings.

John Thompson pitched the ninth to earn his 10th save, getting Bill McGonigle to ground into a game-ending double play.