Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Banks out-duels Paul in pitching classic

Published on June 2, 2007 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, NJ - New Jersey Jackals' left handed pitcher Demetrius Banks is in his first season as a starting pitcher, but you'd never be able to tell. Banks, a career relief pitcher, was impressive in his first outing of the season against Quebec, but tonight sealed his place in the Jackals starting rotation.

Banks was on the winning end of a 2-0 classic between the Jackals and the visiting Nashua Pride. Banks finished the game with 7 innings pitched with 3 strikeouts. Most notably, however, Banks allowed no runs and just 2 hits over the course of his 7 innings. Banks' outing was so impressive that he carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Banks would finish the seventh inning and leave the field to a standing ovation from the sell-out crowd at Yogi Berra Stadium.

Not to be outdone, Nashua's ace starting pitcher Jason Paul was also brilliant, going 6 innings and giving up just one earned run.

Obviously, there was not much offense to be had in tonight's game, but fortunately for the Jackals they were able to capitalize on opportunities necessary to ensure a victory.

The Jackals struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning on an RBI single from the red hot catcher Matt Lauderdale. The always relevant Sandy Madera came around to score after being hit by a pitch earlier in the inning.

The Jackals would add an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh thanks to a quintessential display of "small ball."

With one out, lead off hitter Francisco Leandro singled and then stole second. Now with a runner in scoring position, second baseman Zack Smithlin dripped a single to right center field, scoring Leandro. The hit was not only important for the team, but it also was important for Smithlin as Smithlin extended his hitting streak to 9 games.

Banks' dominance earned him the victory, his first of the season. Paul, although impressive, took the loss. Tucker converted his third save of the season.

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Canadian American League Stories from June 2, 2007


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