Wagner Singles Home Winning Runs in the Eighth
August 17, 2007 - California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - A game that saw warnings, ejections, and even an argument between the two managers saw a wild ending to wild game. Mark Wagner's two-run single in the eighth inning gave the JetHawks a one read lead, then a double play on a fly ball to the outfield ended a come-from-behind win for Lancaster as they beat the High Desert Mavericks 5-4.
Lancaster trailed until the eighth inning and did not have a single hit through the first five innings. The controversy began in the fifth inning when Wagner was beaned in the helmet on a pitch by Mavericks starter Cibney Bello. For the Mavericks, who have already shattered the league record for most batters hit in the season, it was the second time a High Desert pitcher had a JetHawk in the head in the last week. JetHawks manager Chad Epperson and Mavericks manager Scott Steinmann, a former JetHawks player and coach, got into a heated discussion on the field. Both teams were warned by the umpires against any further incidents.
The JetHawks trailed 4-2 in the bottom of the eighth when Steve Garrabrants was hit, also in the helmet, by a pitch from Mavericks reliever Roman Martinez. Since both teams had been warned, both Martinez and Steinmann were ejected from the game. Mavericks closer Aaron Jensen entered, only to allow a single to Zach Daeges and a walk to Brad Correll to load the bases. A sacrifice fly by Jon Still got the JetHawks to within one and set up Wagner's heroics.
Held to just five hits in the game, only one JetHawk had more than one hit as Daeges had a pair of singles. Still and Wagner each had two RBI. Chad Rhoades earned his 14th save, moving him up to second the league.
The JetHawks continue a four-game homestand Saturday night against the High Desert Mavericks. The JetHawks starter will be T.J. Nall (1-3, 5.45) while the Mavericks go with Chris Tillman (4-6, 5.59). The game starts at 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on radio at Magic 1340 AM, as well as on internet at www.JetHawks.com. The pre-game show kicks off at 6:45.
The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free JetHawks baseball cap, which also features the Red Sox logo, presented by D.R. Horton. The annual JetHawks Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place before the game as 2004 manager Wally Backman, Florida Marlins all-star second baseman Dan Uggla, and Antelope Valley baseball legend Frank Slaton enter the Hall of Fame.
Great tickets for most JetHawks home games are available now. Contact the JetHawks box office by phone at (661) 726-5400 or online at www.JetHawks.com.
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California League Stories from August 17, 2007
- Wagner Singles Home Winning Runs in the Eighth - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Drop Series Opener At Modesto, 7-5 - San Jose Giants
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