Lancaster Turns the Tables to Collect First Victory

After getting shut out in their opener Thursday, the Lancaster JetHawks (1-1) came back to beat host Bakersfield, 8-0, on Friday.

Brian Fitzgerald pitched six innings to earn the victory. JetHawk pitchers gave up only three hits to the Blaze, which committed three errors.

Craig Kuzmic homered in the fifth inning for Lancaster, which had 11 hits.

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Next game: 7:15 tonight at Bakersfield.

Up next: at Visalia, Sunday-Tuesday.

Home opener: Wednesday, vs. San Bernardino.

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Opening night was a wet one for some California League teams. While Bakersfield shut out the JetHawks, 5-0, one game was postponed and another shortened to eight innings Thursday because of rain.

Rain in Visalia forced the Oaks to schedule a doubleheader Friday against High Desert, while Lake Elsinore beat the weather in a 10-4 victory over San Bernardino in eight innings.

In other openers Thursday, Modesto beat San Jose, 5-3, and Stockton defeated Rancho Cucamonga, 8-3.

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Scanning Thursday’s box scores:

Triple A--Starter Bob Scanlan (Harvard-Westlake) was the winner in New Orleans’ 4-3 season-opening victory over Fresno, allowing four hits in six innings. Fresno reliever Rob Crabtree (Cal State Northridge) struck out three in one inning.

Double A--Jeff Weaver (Simi Valley) pitched six innings, allowing two runs, five hits, striking out six and walking none, in Jacksonville’s 7-5, 12-inning loss to Huntsville.

Class A--Brian Luderer (Crespi) had two hits in Modesto’s 5-3 victory over San Jose. Mike Glendenning (Crespi, Pierce College) contributed two doubles and a run batted in for San Jose.