'HAWKS STILL STUCK IN REVERSE INLAND EMPIRE 16, JETHAWKS 2.

Byline: Gideo Rubin Daily News Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO - A closed-door meeting Thursday was supposed to inspire the slumping JetHawks.

But there was nothing inspiring about their play in a 16-2 loss to Inland Empire in front of 5,174 at Arrowhead Union Park on Friday.

JetHawks manager Wally Backman called Thursday's meeting to address what he said was a lack of intensity that manifested itself in a collapse in all aspects of the team's play, which he said he takes ``personally.''

The JetHawks' loss - their third in a row and sixth in their past eight games - matched a franchise record for their most lopsided defeat.

And it couldn't have come at a worse time. The JetHawks (22-18), fell into third place, three games behind Inland Empire (26-16), and one game behind Lake Elsinore (23-17), which defeated High Desert 5-2.

Jared Doyle (0-1) lasted just 2 1/3 innings in his starting debut, in which he allowed six runs on six hits. It didn't get much better after he left, as the beleaguered JetHawks bullpen combined to allow 10 runs, five earned, on 12 hits.

--Notes: Justin Wechsler was taken to a local hospital after being struck in the face by a line drive in the JetHawks dugout. ... Corey Myers, who went 1 for 4, has hit safely in all seven games since being assigned to Lancaster and 40 of his last 41 California League games, going back to 2002. ... Right-hander Jesus Silva (1-0, 4.32 ERA) will pitch for the JetHawks when they play at Inland Empire tonight at 6:11. The 66ers' starter for tonight's game will be a game-time decision. ... The JetHawks have lost nine of their last 11 games at Arrowhead Credit Union Park going back to last season.

Gideon Rubin [phone]

gideon.rubin(at)dailynews.com

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