Bears win on balk in nightcap, 6-5
Published on September 20, 2005 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, NJ, September 20-Nashua Pride relief pitcher Jeff Sparks balked in the winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning as the Newark Bears gained a split of their doubleheader with Nashua with a 6-5 win in the nightcap. Nashua had won the opener of the twinbill, 10-5, also in extra innings.
With runners at first and third and one out in the bottom of the 8th, Sparks struck out Newark's Jason Dellaero. Then with Darren Ciraco at the plate, Sparks broke his hands while standing on the pitching rubber and a balk was called as Wil Quintana scored from third base with the winning run.
Newark had tied the game, 5-5, in the 5th inning when Jose Olmeda drew a bases loaded walk from Jason Navarro.
Keith Maxwell unloaded a grand slam home run for the Bears in the 1st inning, giving Newark a 4-2 lead. The home run was Maxwell's 18th of the season; and the Bears have now hit four grand slams on the season. Maxwell was 2-4 with the home run, 4 RBI and 2 runs scored in the nightcap.
Nashua's Glenn Murray, who hit the tying home run and game-winning grand slam in the opener of the doubleheader, hit a two-run blast in his first at-bat of the nightcap, his 31st of the season. He finished Game Two with two hits, two walks, two runs-batted-in and two runs scored. Teammate Brian Becker also hit a two-run home run, his league-leading 39th of the season.
Newark relievers Travis Wade and Justin Wayne combined to toss five scoreless innings. Wayne (1-2) earned his first win of the season, tossing one-hit ball over two innings. He pitched out of a bases loaded, one-out jam in the 7th inning to keep the score tied.
The Bears and Pride meet up again Wednesday evening at 7:05 PM as Pat Daneker (10-8) gets the starting nod for Newark.
Atlantic League Stories from September 20, 2005
- Bears win on balk in nightcap, 6-5 - Newark Bears
- Ducks explode for 12 runs in slugfest - Long Island Ducks
- 'Fish walk off with win against Patriots, 7-6 - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Surf beat Camden, clinch South Division second half - Atlantic City Surf
- Murray powers Pride past Bears in game one, 10-5 - Newark Bears
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