Doubleheader Sweep Merits Rest

The JetHawks skipped batting practice before the Visalia game Tuesday. Several players took that as a pat on the back for their two victories against High Desert on Monday, the first doubleheader sweep in the franchise’s short history.

“Those were big wins,” designated hitter Jim Clifford said. “We went home happy.”

Said catcher David Skeels: “Then we don’t have to show up to the ballpark until 5:30 . . . that’s nice.”

But Manager Rick Burleson wasn’t so easily impressed. When asked if he was rewarding his team with an afternoon off, Burleson said: “No, we just needed the rest.”

Skeels was an unlikely star in the second game against High Desert. The seldom-used No. 3 catcher went four for six with six runs batted in, including a two-run triple in the 11th inning, in the JetHawks’ 11-9 victory.

The Thousand Oaks High alumnus has played in only 10 games and is hitting .409.

“I’ve learned not to worry about the lineup card,” Skeels said. “But it makes you wonder if you’ll get more playing time.”

In this instance, Burleson did not hesitate to hand out a compliment.

“Skeels does a nice job behind the plate handling the pitchers and obviously he can swing the bat a little,” Burleson said. “He’s going to get more playing time.”

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Tonight’s Game: Visalia (Jacob O’Dell, 2-2, 3.71) at JetHawks (Chris Beck, 1-2, 7.40), 7:15.