Burleson Ejected in Defeat

The Lancaster JetHawks completed a 12-game trip, their longest of the season, by losing, 11-8, to the Bakersfield Blaze on Wednesday night.

JetHawk starter Damaso Marte was ejected for throwing behind a batter and Manager Rick Burleson was ejected for arguing Marte’s ejection.

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Tonight’s game: Stockton (Mick Fieldbinder, 5-1, 2.66) at JetHawks (Joe Victery, 2-1, 6.52), 7:15.

AROUND THE LEAGUES

When former Rio Mesa High shortstop Eric Flores was drafted by the Dodgers in 1995, he knew he probably wouldn’t make it to the major leagues at that position.

Third base, he figured. Maybe second.

But last November, after his second season as a utility infielder, the Dodgers called Flores and told him to get ready to become a catcher in spring training.

“I said that’s fine, as long as I get to play every day,” Flores said from Savannah, Ga., site of the Dodgers’ Class-A team he joined last week after spending more than a month in extended spring training. “It’s going well. I was learning the game behind the plate. I worked with [former Dodger catcher and current coach] Mike Scioscia in spring training. I guess I’m doing something right because I got promoted.”

Flores was actually called up because of an injury. Through Tuesday night, he still had not played at Savannah.

“He’s coming along fine,” said Charlie Blaney, the Dodger farm director. “He’s got good hands and a good arm. If he’s going to go anywhere it needs to be in a utility role. And he can play second, shortstop, third as well as catch now.”

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First baseman Robert Fick (Newbury Park, Ventura College, Cal State Northridge) was hitless in his first three at-bats for Class-A West Michigan on Wednesday night, but he doubled with two out in the ninth inning to extend his hitting streak to 29 games.

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Scanning Tuesday box scores: TRIPLE A--Outfielder Chris Sheff (Pepperdine) had three hits, including two doubles, for Charlotte, N.C. . . . First baseman Ryan McGuire (El Camino Real) had three hits for Ottawa. . . . Left-hander Andrew Lorraine (Hart) gave up two earned runs in 6 1/3 innings for Edmonton, but did not get a decision. Lorraine struck out six and walked none. CLASS A--Right-hander Brandon Knight (Buena, Ventura College) gave up five runs, but only one earned, for Port Charlotte, Fla. Knight (4-2) lowered his earned-run average to 1.65. He walked none and struck out seven. . . . Right-hander Brendon Cowsill (Crescenta Valley) pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his first save for Cedar Rapids, Iowa. . . . First baseman Randy Vickers (Glendale College) hit his fifth home run and had a double for Capital City, which plays in Columbia, S.C. . . . Right-hander Keith Evans (Crespi) did not allow an earned run in 5 1/3 innings for Cape Fear, which plays in Fayetteville, N.C. Evans (5-2) lowered his ERA to 2.66.