Bears earn walkoff win in home finale, 5-4
September 22, 2005 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, NJ, September 22-Catcher Chris Eickhorst capped a three-run rally in the bottom of the 9th inning with an RBI single to left field, lifting the Newark Bears to a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Nashua Pride in the Bears final home game of the 2005 season Thursday night at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.
The Bears first two batters were retired in the bottom of the 9th inning before Darren Ciraco walked on a three-two pitch. Tom McGee then unloaded a two-run home run over the wall in left field on the first pitch he saw to tie the game, 4-4.
Shortstop Jerson Perez followed McGee's career-high 9th home run with a single to left field, knocking right-hander Jose Mieses out of the game. Jose Olmeda greeted left-hander Jason Navarro with a sharp single to left advancing Perez to second base. Eickhorst then a delivered his game-winning hit down the left field line, scoring Perez with the winning run.
The Bears 9th inning uprising ruined Denny Harriger's bid for his 17th win of the season, which would have established a new Atlantic League single season record. Harriger, who left the game with a 4-2 lead, tossed six innings Thursday and did not allow an earned run while striking out five batters. Mieses (8-11) absorbed the loss, allowing 3 runs in 2.2 innings of relief.
Darryl Roque (4-4), who pitched a scoreless 9th inning, earned the victory for Newark. Starter Andy Zwirchitz tossed six innings and allowed 2 runs while striking out 7 batters in his final start of 2005.
The Bears were held without a hit from the 4th inning until McGee's home run in the ninth. Ciraco was 2-3 with his key walk and one RBI.
The Bears head to Lancaster to begin their final three games of the season Friday night at 7:05 PM against the Barnstormers. Lefty Brent Billingsley (7-10) will make the start for Newark.
Atlantic League Stories from September 22, 2005
- Ducks win, playoff spot clinched - Long Island Ducks
- Herrera, Daneker earn Bears top honors for 2005 - Newark Bears
- Bears earn walkoff win in home finale, 5-4 - Newark Bears
- 'Fish sweep Patriots, 6-3 - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Timmons' lumber powers Surf - Camden Riversharks
- Big events planned at Clipper Magazine Stadium to end 2005 campaign - Lancaster Stormers
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