LANCASTER, CA (September 15th, 2012) -- For the first time in their 17 year history, the Lancaster Jethawks are California League Champions after defeating Modesto 3-2 on Saturday night at The Hangar, completing a three-game sweep in the best-of-five series against the Nuts.

Down by a run in the bottom of the ninth, Nuts infielder Tim Smalling led off with a sharp double down the third base line, but Modesto failed to get him home as the Jethawks held on for the win. Reliever Jorge De Leon struck out Brett Tanos and got Helder Velazquez to fly out to put two away. Jethawks Manager Rodney Linares then called upon lefty specialist Kenny Long to face Dallas Tarleton, who grounded out to first to finish the game.

Championship series MVP Delino DeShields Jr. hit a solo home run to lead off the game in the bottom of the first against Jorge De La Rosa. Lancaster added a pair of runs in the top of the third take an early 3-0 lead.

Modesto scored their only two runs in the top of the fourth, with a one-out triple by Delta Cleary Jr. sparking a rally. After scoring on a wild pitch, Smalling tripled with two outs, and came around to score on an RBI double by Brett Tanos.

That was the only damage against Lancaster starter Colton Cain though, who picked up the win. De La Rosa, a Colorado Rockies LHP who was rehabbing with Modesto, kept the Jethawks off the board through the end of the fifth. Modesto's bullpen of three relievers kept it a one-run game the rest of the way.

It was the second time the two franchises have meet in the championship, with Modesto winning in five games back in 2004. For the Nuts, it was their first title appearance since becoming a Rockies' affiliate in 2005.

The 2013 schedule has been released as is posted on www.ModestoNuts.com. Season tickets are available by calling (209) 572-HITS.