Bears drown Bluefish 15-6
Published on April 29, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK NJ--The Newark Bears defeated the Bridgeport Bluefish 15-6 in the Bears' home opener on Tuesday evening at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark.
Entering the bottom of the fourth inning with a 3-1 deficit, the Bears bats woke up and the team scored seven runs, sending eleven men to the plate. Third baseman Mike Just hit a two-run double, giving the team a 5-3 lead. With two outs, designated hitter Cory Aldridge smacked a bases-clearing double into the right field corner, bringing in three more runs.
The Bears tacked on another four runs in the fifth inning, bringing the score to 12-3 and securing the win. With the bases empty and two outs, Shortstop Victor Gutierrez doubled followed by Just and second baseman Bobby Hill getting walked to load the bases. Centerfielder Keith Reed hit the Bears' second bases-clearing double of the game to drive in three more runs. Reed later advanced home on an error.
The first two men in the Bears lineup reached base a combined nine times. Just went 3-4 with two doubles and two walks, bringing in three runs and scoring three as well. Hill went 2-4 with two singles, two walks, and two RBI.
Bears righty Will Cunnane (1-0) picked up the win, pitching 5 innings, striking out 5, and walking 3 Bluefish. The win can also be attributed to the Bears stellar defense in the outfield. Reed and leftfielder Brian Burgamy both picked up assists by throwing out runners at second base. Rightfielder Val Majewski gunned down a runner at home plate. Barry Hertzler (0-1) suffered the loss for the Bluefish, pitching 3 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs and three earned runs, walking three and striking out three.
With the win, the Bears advance to 2-2 on the season. The Bluefish fall to 1-3.
Prior to the game, the Bears held an onfield ceremony, celebrate their 2007 Atlantic League Championship with the raising of a commemorative championship banner and ring presentation. Bears manager Wayne Krenchicki and pitching coach Steve Foucault were among seven returnees from the title-winning team of 2007. Outfielder Keith Reed, infielder Vic Gutierrez, catcher John Pachot, and pitchers Ed Almonte and JJ Trujillo are current Bears players who helped the club win the crown a year ago. Former Bears Matt Smith and Carlos Mirabal also took part in the ceremony.
Tomorrow's game features a 4:05 start time at the Den. Right-handed pitcher Michael Bumstead (0-1) will take the mound for the Bears, facing off against southpaw Eric Dubose (0-0).
Atlantic League Stories from April 29, 2008
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