Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rox End Skid Behind Long's Gem

Published on June 16, 2009 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


BROCKTON, MA - (June 16, 2009) - Behind a solid outing from RHP Jeff Long, the Brockton Rox broke a five-game losing streak on Tuesday night in a 7-3 win over the Quebec Capitales. Long surrendered two runs on four hits with five strikeouts while earning his second win in four starts.

After a first inning run for Quebec, Long, in his first season with the Rox, retired 11 consecutive batters. His streak was broken by a leadoff walk to RF Alex Nunez; only the second free pass issued by the righty this season. Following the walk, Long retired another six in-a-row before DH Eddie Lantigua hit a solo home run to start the seventh inning. Nunez also singled in the seventh, which proved to be Long's final inning of work.

The Rox answered back from the first-inning deficit with a two-run home run in the second inning from RF Jud Thigpen, which broke an 0-16 slump for last season's home run and RBI record setter. An inning later, Brockton extended its lead to 4-1 on RBI singles by rookie CF Chris Valencia and 1B Keith Brachold. Brachold and Thigpen lead the team with 15 RBI each on the year. Brachold also stole two bases to lead the team and improved to a perfect six for six in stolen bases this year.

The fourth inning was the third consecutive run-producing frame for the Rox as LF Ervin Alcantara drove in Thigpen with an RBI single. It was Alcantara's first game with the club in 2009 after re-signing with the team earlier in the day.

Brockton added two insurance runs in the eighth inning when Brachold scored on a passed ball, and Thigpen drove in his third run of the game with a sacrifice fly.

A bullpen combination of LHP Brad Hertzler, RHP Matt Zachary, and RHP Jerry Dunn recorded the final six outs of the game, though Quebec did threaten, and twice brought the potential game-tying run to the plate.

Brockton and Quebec square off in game two of the three game series on Wednesday night at Campanelli Stadium. Rox LHP Craig Anderson (2-1, 3.71 ERA) is scheduled to face Capitales' RHP Ivan Blanco (0-2, 5.06 ERA). Wednesday night's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM. For tickets, log on to www.brocktonrox.com or call the Rox Ticket Office at (508) 559-7070.

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Canadian American League Stories from June 16, 2009


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