Wathan Catches JetHawks a Win

Dusty Wathan was the hero, at the plate and behind it, in the Lancaster JetHawks’ 7-6, 10-inning victory over the San Bernardino Stampede on Thursday night before 4,103 at the Hangar.

Wathan had three hits, including the game-winner in the 10th, and he threw out four runners attempting to steal.

The JetHawks (5-3) blew a two-run lead in the ninth, but Yuni Kim led off the bottom of the 10th by hitting an opposite-field fly ball for a triple off the wall. James Clifford was walked intentionally to get to Wathan, who broke his bat on a single up the middle.

Wathan also drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth with a single, and among the runners he threw out was Todd Barlok to complete a double play after a strikeout in the eighth, diffusing a first-and-third, no-out situation with the JetHawks ahead by two runs.

The Stampede came into the game leading the league with 21 stolen bases. Wathan, who threw out four of seven, has thrown out seven of 11 this season.

In the ninth, JetHawk reliever Denny Bonilla gave up a two-out double to pinch-hitter Angel Pena, driving in Jason Weekley from first. Andy Owen hit a blooper just out of the reach of leaping shortstop Joel Ramirez, dropping into left field and scoring Pena with the tying run.

In contrast to the JetHawks’ sharp play in the field--they played their first errorless game since the season opener--the Stampede was sloppy and the JetHawks took advantage, milking seven runs out of nine hits. Four of Lancaster’s runs were unearned.

* DAILY REPORT

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