SAN BERNARDINO – Helmis Rodriguez allowed only two runs over six innings in his third start, but the Lancaster JetHawks dropped the series finale to the Inland Empire 66ers, 5-2, on Thursday night at San Manuel Stadium.

Rodriguez (1-2) served up a home run to Brendan Sanger after a Jose Rojas infield hit for the game’s first runs in the fifth inning. The left-hander allowed the two runs on four hits with three strikeouts and three walks.

Lancaster hitters weren’t able to manage much offense against four 66ers pitchers. Rehabbing right-hander Bud Norris started the game and struck out the side with one hit in the first inning. Sean Isaac didn’t allow a hit and struck out five over 3.2 innings of relief. Mike Kaelin (1-0) tossed 2.1 scoreless innings for the win.

Matt Thaiss hit a three-run home run on a 3-0 pitch in the seventh inning against reliever Alexander Guillen to give Inland Empire a 5-0 lead.

The JetHawks (2-6, 40-38) scored twice in ninth inning against closer Sam Holland. Sam Hilliard reached on an error, Roberto Ramos drew a walk and both scored on a Mylz Jones base hit.

Lancaster’s best chance to get back in the game came in the sixth inning when Wes Rogers walked to load the bases with one out. Kaelin struck out Hilliard before inducing a Ramos inning-ending flyout.

Rogers finished the game 0-for-3 to end his hitting streak at 11 games.

Here’s the box score.

The JetHawks and 66ers split the four-game series. Lancater’s season-long eight-game road trip continues on Friday with the first of four games at Rancho Cucamonga. Craig Schlitter (9-1) will start for Lancaster against Dennis Santana (4-5). First pitch is 7:05 p.m. at LoanMart Field.