Lancaster Will Get Big Lift

The most widely anticipated arrival in the three years since the JetHawks began playing in Lancaster is Ryan Anderson, a 6-foot-11 left-handed pitcher and the Seattle Mariners’ first-round draft pick last June.

Anderson, 18, is 3-0 with a 1.75 earned-run average for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Class-A Midwest League.

The JetHawks are the logical promotion for Anderson at some point this season. Anderson was labeled as cocky before he had thrown a pitch by comparing himself to Mariners’ ace Randy Johnson, but he has backed up the talk by striking out 43 and allowing 16 hits in 25 2/3 innings. He has 20 walks.

Wisconsin has averaged crowds of 3,500 in Anderson’s six starts and averages 1,900 overall.

“People want to trade in their tickets if he isn’t scheduled to pitch the day they’re coming to the park,” said Tim Okonek, Wisconsin ticket director.