Bears Win Second Atlantic League Championship
Published on September 24, 2007 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, NJ - September 24, 2007 - The Newark Bears scored eight runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to erase a two run deficit and defeat the Somerset Patriots 13-7 for their second Atlantic League Championship in franchise history. Right fielder Jose Herrera, who hit a single game Championship Series record three home runs, was named the Atlantic League Championship Series' Most Valuable Player.
The Bears led off the eighth inning with a walk, a single, and a hit by pitch to load the bases. First baseman Victor Rodriguez delivered an RBI single and third baseman Corey Smith hit a run scoring single through the left side to tie the game at seven. After a double play, designated hitter Joey Gomes drilled a double to centerfield two score two runs. After an error brought home the Bears tenth run, Herrera connected for his third home run of the game, a three run shot to right field.
Somerset took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Herrera responded for the Bears with his first home run of the game, a two run shot to left field to bring the Bears within one. Herrera tied the game in the third inning with a solo home run to the opposite field.
The Patriots rallied for four runs in the top of the sixth to take a 7-3 lead. Right fielder Elliot Ayala hit a two run double down the left field line and second baseman Teuris Olivares followed with a two RBI double off the centerfield wall.
In the bottom of the seventh, left fielder Ruben Mateo tripled to centerfield to drive in Smith and Gomes hit a run scoring single up the middle to bring the Bears within two.
Herrera finished the game 3-for-4 with three home runs, six RBI, and four runs scored. Gomes went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored. Bears' reliever Shaun Babula (1-0) picked up the win. Somerset reliever Saul Solveson suffered the loss.
Atlantic League Stories from September 24, 2007
- Bears Beat Patriots 13-7 To Win Championship - Somerset Patriots
- Bears Win Second Atlantic League Championship - Newark Bears
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