Hitters Pitch In and Do Their Part for JetHawks This Time, 14-5

Convenient that on the first day of the college football season, the JetHawks score a pair of touchdowns.

Equally important for the JetHawks were 15 hits in a 14-5 victory over San Bernardino on Saturday night, extending their winning streak to five games before 5,401 at The Hangar.

Perhaps most important, the JetHawks (32-30 in the second half, 68-64 overall) are still in playoff contention.

They did not lose ground to Lake Elsinore, which defeated Stockton, 7-2, to remain two games ahead of the JetHawks in the scramble for the Southern Division wild-card berth. There are eight games to play.

Four of the JetHawks’ first five batters scored, two of them on James Clifford’s 20th home run of the season.

Adrian Beltre answered with a three-run home run in the top of the second and pulled San Bernardino (31-31) to within 4-3.

But the JetHawks took control with a two-out rally in the third. Chris Dean’s double scored Scott Smith and Clifford to give the JetHawks a 6-3 lead. Josh Watts followed with a two-run home run over the right field fence for an 8-3 lead.

“Can’t ask for better baseball than that,” said Manager Dave Brundage, whose JetHawks matched their longest winning streak of the season. “Can’t ask for a better time for it to happen.”

Even the JetHawks relievers, who have been quiet lately because of quality pitching starts, got into the act.

Chris Beck replaced Trey Moore (five runs allowed, four of them earned) in the top of the seventh inning and gave up one hit to pick up his first save.

Said Brundage: “We gave it to Chris Beck and he shut them down for three strong innings.”

The JetHawks weren’t looking for any theories as to why they’ve been winning, but one coincidence was discussed.

They haven’t lost since Jim Skaalen, the Seattle Mariners’ coordinator of minor league instruction, began a weeklong stay with the club Tuesday.

Regardless, the JetHawks have picked a good time to put together a string of victories.

“This is the last couple of weeks we’re going to be seeing each other,” said Clifford, who went three for five with three runs batted in. “You never know who you’re going to see next year so we just want to have fun.”