Hargrove Unloads in Victory

Harvey Hargrove hit a grand slam to highlight a seven-run sixth inning and the Lancaster Jethawks posted their sixth consecutive victory by defeating the Mudville Nine, 17-10, in a California League game Thursday night at Lancaster.

Cody Morrison (1-1) gave up an unearned in 1 1/3 innings of relief for the Jethawks (7-1).

Willie Bloomquist added a three-run double.

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Today’s game: Mudville Nine at Lancaster, 7:15 p.m. Next series: vs. Rancho Cucamonga, 7:15 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. On the radio: KUTY-AM 1470.

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Attendance at the California League’s five opening games was up 20% over 1999 openers. Lake Elsinore was first by a small margin over San Bernardino, 3,386 to 3,860.

High Desert also drew more than 3,000 opening night, with 3,147. Mudville opened with 2,409 and Bakersfield, which hosted Lancaster opening night, drew 1,805. Two nights later the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes drew 5,302 and Modesto opened before 3,994.

A year ago, the Quakes drew 4,653 and the A’s opened with 2,411.

Lancaster waited until Wednesday for its home opener and the JetHawks drew 3,037.

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The first triple play recorded at the Lake Elsinore Diamond came April 7, by Rancho Cucamonga in the first inning.

Elpidio Guzman and Jay Hood singled, with Guzman holding at second. The runners were attempting a double steal, but Gary Johnson hit a line drive to shortstop Cristian Berroa. Berroa threw to second baseman Jason Dunaway to retire Guzman, and Dunaway threw to first baseman Graham Koonce to complete the triple play.