JetHawk Hitters Slump in Unlikely Ballpark

ADELANTO — The Lancaster JetHawks, who have been one of the best hitting teams in the California League for most of the season, have a had a bad offensive weekend in the last place they would have expected.

The JetHawks managed just seven hits in a 5-3 loss to the High Desert Mavericks on Sunday afternoon at Maverick Stadium, which is known as one of the best hitters’ parks in minor league baseball.

The JetHawks (24-26) had only five hits in a 3-2 loss on Saturday night in Adelanto.

Their average dropped to .288, second to the Mavericks.

Lancaster first baseman Shawn Buhner had two hits, including his sixth home run on Sunday. Second baseman Chris Dean had a single and a double, giving him 10 multi-hit games in the last 15.

The Mavericks erased a 2-0 deficit with three runs in the bottom of the fourth against JetHawk starter Damaso Marte. Marte (0-4) gave up four runs, three earned, in 4 1/3 innings.

The JetHawks had a chance to tie the game in the ninth, but Dusty Wathan’s fly ball with a man on was caught at the warning track, ending the game.

JetHawk outfielder Tarrik Brock ran into the right field wall trying to make a catch in the eighth inning and had to come out of the game. Brock was taken to a hospital for examination after the game.

The teams conclude the four-game series with a pair of seven-inning games beginning at 2:05 today. The JetHawks will send Matt Apana (0-1, 7.36) against Vladimir Nunez (3-2, 5.82) in the first game and Joe Victery (2-2, 5.97) against John Fleming (0-0, 0.00) in the second game.