Bears win 6-5 as Henderson debuts
Published on May 1, 2003 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, N.J. -- The Newark Bears scored two runs each in the seventh and eighth innings to power past visiting Bridgeport 6-5 in Atlantic League baseball action Thursday night before 6,107 at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. The game marked the successful managerial debut of Bears skipper Bill Madlock as well as the Bear debut of Major League baseball Rickey Henderson, who went 1-for-3 with a single.
The Bears scored single runs in the fourth and fifth innings by way of solo home runs by Tom Hage and Eddy Martinez. With the game knotted at two, the Bluefish nudged ahead in the top of the sixth with Tony Mota and Cesar Devarez driving in runs. Trailing 4-2, the defending champions responded, scoring two runs in the seventh as Henderson and Jack Santora each drew bases-loaded walks. Newark wasn't done, scoring two more times in the eighth as Bryan Britt connected on a home run to right and Newark resident Mike Piercy singled home Al Benjamin to put the home team ahead 6-4. The Bluefish cut the Newark lead to a run in their final at-bat, as Richard Almanzar doubled to left. Newark's Alberto Castillo, perservered to pick up the save while Andy Hazlett, who yielded just one hit in 2 1/3 innings of work was credited with the victory. T.J. Matthews, Bridgeport's third pitcher of the evening absorbed the loss.
For the contest, Newark outhit their visitors 11-8 while committing two errors to the Bluefish none. The Bears stranded eight runners while Bridgeport left six men on base. Martinez led the way with three hits while Santora had two. Mota and Devarez each had a pair of hits for the visitors.
The Bears continue their season tomorrow evening, facing off with the Bluefish in Game 2 of a four-game weekend series. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive Rally Towels courtesy of C.O.S.T. Coalition of New Jersey. Newark's Jose Lima will oppose Bridgeport's Mark Brownson.
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