Railcats come from behind to beat Jackhammers 5-4 eleven innings
Published on May 16, 2008 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
GARY, IN-The Joliet JackHammers (1-1) scored three runs in the first inning to take a 3-2 lead only to lose 5-4 in 11 innings to the Gary SouthShore RailCats (1-1) before 3,019 fans at U.S. Steel Yard on Friday night. The JackHammers four errors helped contribute to the RailCats overcoming a two run deficit. The JackHammers 2008 home schedule opens on Friday, May 23 at 7:05 p.m. against the Winnipeg Goldeyes for Harris Bank Opening Night at Silver Cross Field with fireworks to follow the game.
The JackHammers wasted no time by scoring three runs in the first inning against Gary starting pitcher Billy Phillips. Steve Garrabrants (2-5) and Dorian Rojas (1-5) hit back-to-back singles to start off the game.
Joey Gomes (1-4) hit an RBI single to score Garrabrants and give the JackHammers a 1-0 lead. Juan Diaz (3-5) followed with an RBI double to bring home Rojas and make it a 2-0 advantage. Doc Brooks (0-5) reached base on a fielder's choice to plate Gomes and Joliet took a 3-0 lead.
The RailCats pushed across two runs in the first inning against Joliet starting pitcher Brian Forystek. Eric McNamee (1-3) hit a one-out double and scored on a triple by Steve Haake (1-6). Christian Guerrero (1-5) followed with an RBI double and the RailCats trailed by only one run at 3-2.
Forystek pitched four innings for the JackHammers and allowed two runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out four RailCats.
The JackHammers tacked on an insurance run in the seventh inning when catcher Nick McIntyre (2-5) pulled a letter-high pitch from RailCats reliver John Boker over the right centerfield wall for a 4-2 Joliet lead.
The RailCats scored a run in the seventh inning on a double steal attempt against JackHammers reliever Dustin Taylor. CF Rob Marconi (1-4) hit a single and went to second base on a walk by Reese. The RailCats tried a double steal and scored on an errant throw to third base by catcher Nick McIntyre. The RailCats were within one run at 4-3.
The RailCats threatened to tie the game with Reese at third base but Joliet first baseman Freddy Thon turned a beautiful double play to finish off Gary and preserve the 4-3 lead.
In the eighth inning, Guerrero reached base on a throwing error and went to second on a walk by Mike Rohde (1-4). Brett Wallace (1-5) hit an RBI single to tie the game at 4-4.
In the 11tth inning, Marconi worked a leadoff walk against JackHammers reliever Craig Pfautz. Reese followed with a single to push Marconi to second base. With McNamee coming up to the plate, the RailCats decided to execute a sacrifice bunt. McNamee came through and pushed both runners into scoring position.
The JackHammers decided to intentionally walk Jay Pecci (2-5) to load the bases. Haake came up to the plate and lined ground ball off the glove of JackHammers third baseman Wally Backman, Jr. to allow the winning run to score.
Loose Gravel: The JackHammers played the second game of the 2008 season on Friday. In the 2007 season, Joliet also played extra innings in the second game of the season-losing 3-2 to Calgary in 13 innings at Silver Cross Field on May 17, 2007.
The JackHammers and RailCats play game three of their four game series on Saturday night. RHP Aaron Trolia (3-2, 6.91) West Tenn. (Seattle, AA) and (2-0, 1.64) El Paso (American Association) gets the start for Joliet against LHP Kai Tuomi (1-1, 7.50) Gulf Coast League Nationals (Washington, Rookie) for Gary. The first pitch is at 6:00 p.m. and pre-game coverage begins at 5:45 p.m. on AM 1340 WJOL and online at www.jackhammerbaseball.com.
The JackHammers currently have full season seats, mini-plan packages, group outings and individual tickets on sale. To invest in tickets, or for more information, please contact the JackHammers Ticket Department TODAY at 815.726.2255 (BALL), stop by the Silver Cross Field Box Office during normal business hours or visit the JackHammers website at www.jackhammerbaseball.com.
Northern League Stories from May 16, 2008
- RailCats Rally to Beat Joliet in Eleven Innings - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Railcats come from behind to beat Jackhammers 5-4 eleven innings - Joliet JackHammers
- Late Rally Falls Short with Poulin Walk-Off - Kansas City Monarchs
- Flyers Break Out the Bats in Close Win Against Fargo - Schaumburg Flyers
- JackHammers manager featured in TV series - Joliet JackHammers
- Flyers fall to RedHawks in 12 innings - Schaumburg Flyers
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