'FOCUSED' JETHAWKS WIN JETHAWKS 6, INLAND EMPIRE 2.

Byline: Gideon Rubin Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO - The JetHawks' day started with an early wake-up call for an 11 a.m. road game. Then they got another one from manager Wally Backman before the game, which included an admonition that the reduced effort that typified their play during a three-game losing streak going into Monday will translate into reduced playing time if it continues.

The JetHawks responded to both in a 6-2 victory over Inland Empire in front of 4,516 mostly elementary school students on a promotional education awareness day at Arrowhead Credit Union Park.

``The content of the meeting was good, it was positive, '' said JetHawks outfielder Carlos Quentin, who went 2 for 4, extending his hitting streak to 10 games. ``It was just a reminder to play up to our potential. We've got a lot of talent on this team and us losing three games in a row, I don't think that should happen that much,''

Jesus Cota, a 23-year-old who led the California League with 101 RBI in 2002 and was reassigned to Lancaster over the weekend, went 3 for 5 with four RBI. JetHawks starter Adam Bass (2-0) struck out seven batters and allowed three hits and three walks six innings.

Lancaster (12-6), which committed eight errors in its three previous games and allowed several runners to advance with lackadaisical field play - a topic of conversation at Monday's meeting - committed one error. The JetHawks played much better overall, especially considering they were up against Inland Empire starter Felix Hernandez (2-1), a top pitching prospect whom they tagged for three runs on six hits in five innings.

``The way they went about their business today is the way that I want to see them go about their business even on days that we lose,'' Backman said. ``If they can get mentally focused like they did today it's going to make them better.''

Gideon Rubin [phone]

gideon.rubin(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

box

Box:

MINOR LEAGUE REPORT

- Sean Ceglinsky