Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Davis Helps Jackals Power Past Tornadoes in Series

July 12, 2011 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Worcester, Mass. - Leonard Davis drove in four runs and Nick Giarraputo laced a pair of doubles as the New Jersey Jackals defeated the Worcester Tornadoes, 9-4, to salvage the finale of a three-game series on a hot and humid Tuesday night at Hanover Insurance Park.

New Jersey starter Isaac Pavlik improved to league-best 8-0, tying his career high for wins in a season, after allowing four runs on nine hits with six strikeouts and two walks over 5 2/3 frames. Reliever Steve Fox followed with 2 1/3 scoreless frames before Jeff Gogal tossed a scoreless ninth to secure the victory.

The Tornadoes plated all four of their runs behind the strength of a trio of home runs - two by first baseman Chris Colabello and one by designated hitter Nick Salotti - who each now have 11 this season.

Trailing 1-0 after Colabello went deep in the top of the first, New Jersey plated the game's next six runs to set the pace. In the top of the second, Myron Leslie led off with a walk on a 10-pitch at-bat and scored two batters later when Giarraputo ripped a double inside third base to tie the score. A Kris Sanchez RBI single made it 2-1 before Jordan Newton connected on a two-run home run to right field to extend the Jackals' lead to 4-1. A two-run homer by Davis in the third inning gave New Jersey a 6-1 advantage.

Colabello added his second blast of the night in the fifth inning, a two-run shot, and Salotti followed with a solo home run to pull Worcester within two at 6-4.

However, the Jackals capped the scoring in the top of the eighth inning with three unearned runs. With two outs and the bases loaded, Worcester second baseman Abraham Nunez mishandled a ground ball to allow Giarraputo to score and make it 7-4. Later in the inning, Davis singled home two runs to cap the scoring.

After an off day on Wednesday, the Jackals return home to Yogi Berra Stadium to conclude the first half with a three-game series against the Brockton Rox beginning Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. In the series opener, New Jersey will send southpaw James Leverton (6-2, 2.12 ERA) to the mound against Brockton right-hander Mike Smith. Leverton, the two-time reigning Can-Am League Pitcher of the Week, has tossed 19 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings while Smith, a Can-Am League All-Star last season, will toe the rubber for a Rox' team that has won seven straight games. Cody Chrusciel and Matt Sutor have the call on the live webcast beginning 15 minutes prior to first pitch at jackals.com.

Jackal Bites: Five members of the Tornadoes were ejected as manager Ed Riley, reliever Nick Serino, and catcher Alex Trezza were tossed in the top of the sixth inning and pitchers Zach Zuercher and Ryan Bicondoa were ejected from the bench in the top of the ninth... The season series between New Jersey and Worcester is now tied, 3-3... The Jackals are now 9-1 in games started by Isaac Pavlik this season... Pavlik extended his league strikeouts lead to 61... Worcester outfielder Alex Nunez had to leave the game prior to the top of the seventh inning after getting hit in the wrist by a pitch in the bottom of the sixth. Nunez was replaced by pitcher Shawn Gilblair, who was later pinch hit for by rookie pitcher Michael Gedman.

The New Jersey Jackals, proud members of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, play their home games at Yogi Berra Stadium located on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, NJ. 2011 single-game tickets, season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.

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Canadian American League Stories from July 12, 2011


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