JetHawks’ Road Show Plays Well at Home

After opening the season with five victories in six road games, the Lancaster JetHawks rallied for two runs in the ninth inning to win their home opener over the Mudville Nine, 5-4, in a California League interdivisional game before 3,037 fans Wednesday night at The Hangar.

It was the fifth victory in a row for the South Division-leading JetHawks, who are off to the best start in their five-year history at 6-1 under first-year Manager Mark Parent.

Juan Silvestre’s two-run single with one out in the ninth provided the tying and winning runs.

Scott Maynard began the JetHawks’ ninth-inning rally with a single off Brian Mallette and Antonio Perez’ bunt was mishandled by shortstop Mark Ernster, giving the JetHawks runners on first and third with none out.

After P.J. Williams popped out to first base, Willie Bloomquist drew a walk and Silvestre delivered.

“Obviously it was very important for us to play well in our home opener,” Bloomquist said. “The home crowd was very supportive. Once we got the lead man on in the the ninth, the wheel started turning and we were confident we would win.

“[Parent is] a former big leaguer, so he has our respect. He’s really a player’s coach. He’s strict when he needs to be. Everyone likes to play with him.”

Bo Robinson’s run-scoring single in the eighth inning scored Silvestre from second and cut Mudville’s lead to 4-3, but Harvey Hargrove grounded out to second to end the JetHawks’ rally.

Williams was hit by the first pitch starter Mike Penney threw, stole second base, took third on a passed ball and scored on a wild pitch.

Lancaster scratched out another run in the fifth. Perez led off with a double to right field and advanced to third on Williams’ ground out to second base. When a high pick-off throw by catcher Obispo Brito rolled into left field, Perez trotted home for a 2-0 lead.

Right-hander Chris Mears of Lancaster pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing one run, two hits, three walks and striking out six.

Penney allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits in five innings while striking out four and walking one.

Allan Simpson came on in relief and allowed an RBI double to Brito that cut the JetHawks’ lead to 2-1 and allowed a three-run home run to Ernster that gave Mudville a 4-2 lead.

Julio Ayala pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings and picked up the victory.

Silvestre was three for five.

Mudville (3-4), formerly was known as the Stockton Ports.

Stockton is the site of Mudville, made famous in the poem “Casey at the Bat.”