Bomb Threat Stops JetHawks’ Game

LANCASTER — A bomb threat forced the evacuation of thousands of fans and prematurely ended the JetHawks’ game Tuesday night against Rancho Cucamonga at the Hangar. The first sweep of the park did not turn up a bomb.

At 10:13 p.m. the public address announcer told those who left in the paid crowd of 5,050, that there was an “emergency” and the stadium had to be evacuated.

Matt Ellis, general manager of the JetHawks, confirmed that a bomb threat had been telephoned to the stadium.

“We just don’t want to take any chances,” Ellis said. “We want to let the sheriffs do what they have to do.”

Within 15 minutes of the announcement, the stadium was empty and sheriff’s deputies were ordering fans not to even stand near the outside of the stadium.

Rancho Cucamonga lead the JetHawks, 14-6, in the top of the ninth inning when the game was called. It will be resumed prior to the JetHawks’ 7:15 game tonight against the Quakes.

The bomb threat capped a horrendous evening for the JetHawks, whose seven errors led to eight unearned runs.

The shabby fielding contributed to yet another early exit by a JetHawk starting pitcher--three of the last four haven’t survived the third inning. Brett Hinchliffe (9-9) was pulled after 2 1/3 innings, charged with nine runs, though only two were earned.

The JetHawks (24-27) came into Tuesday night’s game six games out of first place for the California League Southern Division second-half title and three games back for the wild card spot. They have 18 games to go.

Tuesday night’s game began positively enough for the JetHawks, who took a 3-0 lead in the first inning when James Clifford missed a grand slam by a few feet, instead clearing the bases with a three-run double. Clifford entered the game with a .340 average, six homers and 15 RBIs in 15 games against the Quakes.

The JetHawks blew a chance in the second when they loaded the bases, but Jesus Marquez and Scott Smith struck out.

The JetHawks had a 3-1 lead after two innings, when the defense began to crumble.

Jason Cook made two errors and Shawn Buhner made another in the inning. The Quakes surrounded the errors with five hits to pile up eight runs, though only one was earned, and take a 9-3 lead.

The Quake rally included a two-run triple by Gary Matthews Jr., formerly of Granada Hills High and Mission College.

Rancho Cucamonga 14, JetHawks 6

Rancho Cucamonga: 018 030 10 -- 14 15 0

JetHawks: 303 000 00 -- 6 10 7

Walters, Garrett (3), Baron (8) and Davis; Hinchliffe, E.Clifford (3), Daniels (6) and Wathan.

W--Garrett (3-1). L--Hinchliffe (9-9).

2B: RC--Allen, Curtis; J--Monahan, Clifford. 3B:RC--Matthews. HR:RC--Moore (7), Gama (5).

Records: Rancho Cucamonga 23-29; JetHawks 24-27.