It Seemed So Trivial at the Time

Considering the tightness of the playoff race in the Southern Division, and that the JetHawks trail the Lake Elsinore Storm, one can’t help but remember June 16.

A night after the Storm beat the JetHawks to eliminate them from the first-half title chase, Manager Dave Brundage rested three of his top offensive players in a “meaningless” 2-0 loss to the Storm.

Since overall records determine the wild-card berth the JetHawks are chasing, the game is not so meaningless now.

“At that time you don’t think about it,” Brundage said. “But it’s not like we rolled over.”

In fairness to Brundage, he had to rest outfielders Jose Cruz Jr. and Marcus Sturdivant because they were to be promoted to double A after the game.

A third starter, Jason Cook, got a day off because he was to play in the all-star game two days later.

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There was talk about San Bernardino losing some of its top players to Vero Beach of the Class-A Florida State League, because that team is in the playoffs and the Stampede isn’t.

But San Bernardino Manager Del Crandall said that won’t happen as long as the JetHawks still have playoff hopes.

“Charlie Blaney [the Dodgers’ minor league director] has been very specific,” Crandall said. “He doesn’t want to hurt the integrity of the game.”

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Tonight’s Game:

JetHawks (Ken Cloude, 15-4, 4.35) at San Bernardino (Dennis Reyes, 11-12, 4.28), 7:05.