With Molina Injured, Lanza Starting to Show His Worth

Given the season-ending nature of Luis Molina’s knee injury, the JetHawks are lucky to have a guy like Mike Lanza.

Lanza, an undrafted utility infielder, has played solid defense and has hit well above the .229 average of his first two minor league seasons. Lanza came into Friday night’s game with a .339 average.

In the three games since Molina’s injury, Lanza has seven hits in 12 at-bats.

He said his approach has not changed since he became the starting shortstop.

“Of course it’s always a good feeling when you know you are going to be playing,” Lanza said. “It’s not the way I wanted it, but I still have to come to the park with the same attitude.”

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Those around the California League were relieved this week to learn that Matt LaChappa is breathing under his own power and is no longer in a coma. LaChappa is the Rancho Cucamonga Quake pitcher who collapsed of a massive heart attack in the bullpen in April.

The game in which he collapsed was completed Thursday, with the San Bernardino Stampede beating the Quakes, 10-6.

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JetHawk third baseman Carlos Villalobos is eligible to come off the disabled list today, but he is expected to be out at least another 10 days. Villalobos jammed his left shoulder during a collision at home plate. . . .

Scot Sealy was the starting catcher Friday night. It was the first time he had gone behind the plate since dislocating and breaking his left thumb on May 11. Sealy had been in the lineup as the designated hitter. . . .

Right-hander Chris Beck was in San Bernardino’s Fiscalini Field for the second time in his life. He made his collegiate debut there four years ago, pitching for The Master’s against Cal State San Bernardino.

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Tonight’s Game

JetHawks (Marino Santana, 3-5, 4.85) at San Bernardino (Ken Sikes, 5-1, 3.36), 7:05.