LANCASTER – Inland Empire scored a pair of unearned runs in the eighth inning, handing the JetHawks a 5-4 loss at The Hangar Thursday night.

Ryan Vilade (pictured above) had three hits in the loss, including his second home run of the season.

Inland Empire (25-41) got a great start from All-Star Oliver Ortega. The righty did not allow a run over five innings, and the 66ers led, 2-0, going into the sixth.

Ryan Vilade promptly tied the game against Inland Empire’s bullpen. With one on and two out in the bottom of the sixth, Vilade hit a two-run home run to tie the game. Vilade led Lancaster with three hits, including his second homer of the season.

The 66ers answered right back with a Franklin Torres home run in the seventh inning. In the eighth, a Lancaster error allowed two runs to score.

Down, 5-2, Lancaster (32-33) scored two unearned runs in the game’s eighth inning to cut the deficit to one. Sean Bouchard and Ramon Marcelino each drove in runs, but the JetHawks could not complete the comeback. Kyle Bradish (3-3) allowed four runs in relief but earned the win.

Nate Harris (2-5) suffered the loss, allowing three runs. Starter Will Gaddis allowed two runs over six innings. It was the fourth-straight quality start for Gaddis.

Justin Upton went 0-for-5 while playing the entire game in left field for the 66ers. It is the fifth game of a rehab assignment for the Angels outfielder and four-time MLB All-Star.

Here’s the box score.

The five-game series continues Friday night. All-Star Ryan Rolison (2-2) toes the rubber for Lancaster against Denny Brady (2-6). First pitch at The Hangar is 6:35 pm.

JetHawks single-game tickets, group tickets, ticket packages and season tickets are on sale now. Visit jethawks.com or call 661-726-5400 for more information.