Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Tornadoes Use Third-Inning Home Runs to Sink Serro, Jackals

Published on July 17, 2009 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


TORNADOES USE THIRD-INNING HOME RUNS TO SINK SERRO, JACKALS Worcester, MA - The Worcester Tornadoes used a pair of third-inning home runs to defeat the New Jersey Jackals 4-3 on Friday night at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field. The loss comes a day after the Jackals clinched the Can-Am League first-half title and an automatic playoff berth on Thursday afternoon.

The Jackals opened up the scoring in the top of the first against Tornadoes left-hander Zach Zuercher when second baseman Marcus Sanders led off with a walk and stole second before scoring with two outs when a grounder off the bat of catcher Matt Lauderdale passed through the legs of Worcester third baseman Garrett Olson. Zuercher struck out three batters in the frame, but the Jackals took an early 1-0 lead.

In the second inning, left fielder Ryan Rogowski reached on a one-out infield single before scoring two batters later when Lauderdale laced a two-out RBI double to left to give New Jersey a 2-0 advantage. However, the Tornadoes countered in the bottom of the third inning when left fielder Vinny Pennell launched a three-run home run, his first of the season, to right field before Worcester right fielder Carlos Sosa lifted his sixth home run to left field as the Tornadoes took a 4-2 lead against New Jersey starter Ted Serro.

In the top of the seventh, the Jackals pulled within one at 4-3 when Sanders led off with a walk and scored on an RBI single by designated hitter Quinn Stewart, who has now reached base in 22 consecutive games. Stewart was later thrown out at the plate by Pennell to end the inning after trying to score on a single by shortstop Mike DeJesus.

The Jackals had the tying run 90 feet away in the eighth inning after right fielder Quentin Davis singled, stole second, and advanced to third on a groundout, but reliever Eddie Pena escaped the jam to preserve the one-run Tornadoes lead. Then in the top of the ninth, Rogowski drew a one-out walk and stole second, but Tornadoes' closer Santiago Ramirez retired the final two batters to end the threat and preserve the 4-3 victory.

Zuercher (2-4) allowed three runs on five hits with two walks and four strikeouts to earn the win while Serro (5-3) took the loss after surrendering four runs on six hits in seven innings. Serro walked one and struck out a season-high seven batters. Ramirez picked up his fourth save of the season.

The Jackals and Tornadoes conclude their four-game series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. when New Jersey sends left-hander Isaac Pavlik (5-1, 3.07 ERA) to the mound against Worcester right-hander Matt Weagle (1-4, 6.82 ERA). Cody Chrusciel has the call with the live webcast beginning 10 minutes prior to first pitch at www.jackals.com.

The New Jersey Jackals, proud members of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, play their home games at Yogi Berra Stadium located on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, NJ. The Jackals have clinched the 2009 Can-Am League first-half title and an automatic berth in the playoffs, which begin on September 9. Playoff and regular season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.

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Canadian American League Stories from July 17, 2009


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