Dallas Keuchel Makes JetHawks History in 3-2 Win

7/12/2010

Dallas Keuchel Makes JetHawks History in 3-2 Win
Lancaster sweeps Inland Empire; Manny Ramirez goes 0-9 in the series

(SAN BERNARDINO, CA) – Complete games have been few and far between in Lancaster JetHawks history, but Dallas Keuchel is making them seem routine. The left-hander held Inland Empire to only two runs on three hits over the full nine innings and the JetHawks battled back late to beat the 66ers 3-2. The JetHawks get their second sweep of the year, their first on the road, and have now won four consecutive ballgames to get to within a game of .500 in the second half (9-10).

Keuchel’s name goes into the JetHawks record books with the performance, his third complete game of the season. The native Oklahoman is just the second pitcher in franchise history to complete three complete games in a single season. He joins Greg Wooten who hurled three complete games in 1999. Wooten holds the all-time franchise record of four, including one pitched in 1996.

The 66ers got a solo home run from Travis Denker in the first inning and added a second run when Alex Garabedian singled Denker home in the fourth inning. Keuchel held the 66ers hitless the rest of the way and did not allow another base runner until walked two hitters in the ninth.

The strong pitching gave the offense enough time to come back. With one out in the ninth inning, Mark Ori, John Curtis, and David Flores all singled to load the bases. Brandon Wikoff drew a walk to push the tying run across the plate. Jay Austin followed with a walk of his own to give Lancaster the lead. Austin had driven in the JetHawks first run with a RBI single in the third inning.

The win gives Lancaster a sweep, their second of the season. Their first sweep also came against Inland Empire. The JetHawks swept a four-game series against the 66ers at the Hangar in May.

After an off-day Tuesday, the JetHawks will open a six-game homestand Wednesday night with Modesto. Kyle Greenwalt (3-6) will pitch for the JetHawks against Kenny Durst (7-6) of the Nuts The game begins at 7:00.

Broadcast coverage will begin with the JetHawks Clubhouse Show at 5 PM at www.JetHawks.com/CSN. Special guests include JetHawks Chairman Peter Carfagna and President Pete Carfagna as well as Michael Duca, co-author of a book called “The Baseball Codes”. The Pre-Game show will begin at 6:45.