HIGH DESERT IN FIRST AT JETHAWKS' EXPENSE : HIGH DESERT 3, JETHAWKS 2.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Daily News Staff Writer

The JetHawks took their chances with the hot-hitting Mike Stoner, and High Desert's left fielder sent the Mavericks into first place in the California League's Valley Division.

Stoner, who finished with four hits, delivered an RBI single past a diving Mike Martin at third base in the bottom of the ninth to lift the Mavericks (27-22) past the JetHawks (24-25) 3-2 at Maverick Stadium Saturday night.

The win, coupled with Stockton's loss at Visalia, moved High Desert past the Ports. The JetHawks are 2-1/2 games off the pace.

JetHawks reliever Rafael Rivera (0-2) retired the first two batters of the ninth but Jason Golgoski bounced a single through the right side of the infield. He stole second and Maddox was walked intentionally after Rivera had fallen behind 3-0 in the count.

In a park known for offensive fireworks, starting pitchers Eric Morgan of the JetHawks and Erik Sabel of High Desert performed well.

Morgan allowed a wind-aided solo home run to Mike Stoner in the third but held the Mavericks to just six hits and two runs in seven innings.

Dusty Wathan doubled home Carlos Villalobos in the top of the second and Tarrik Brock's opposite-field triple to left-center scored Villalobos in the fourth. But the JetHawks collected just two additional hits off Sabel.

JETHAWKS UPDATE

Joltin' Joe: A 2-for-27 slump dropped JetHawks center fielder Joe Mathis from the leadoff spot to the No. 9 position in Friday's game against Modesto. Mathis responded by going 3 for 4 with a solo home run (his fifth of the season) and two RBI.

``It got to me a little bit,'' said Mathis, who was back in his customary leadoff position Saturday night. ``But you have to play hard all the time. If I'm slumping or really hot, I still have to give 100 percent.''

Christianson returns: Reliever Robby Christianson was available to pitch Saturday after sitting out three games because of a suspension. He was ejected on May 14 for throwing at Bakersfield's Yolvit Torrealba.

Matchup: In today's 2:05 p.m. game at Maverick Stadium, the JetHawks send Damaso Marte (0-3, 4.50) to the mound against High Desert's Alex Pena (0-0, 1.93).

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Box: JETHAWKS UPDATE (see text)