Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Early Brockton Mistake Help Jackals Slip Past Rox

Published on July 29, 2009 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, NJ - With rain threatening throughout the contest, the New Jersey Jackals built an early lead against the Brockton Rox and hung on for a 7-5 victory on Wednesday afternoon at Yogi Berra Stadium.

Through the game's first two frames, the Rox committed three errors and walked five batters to spot the Jackals a 5-1 lead. New Jersey plated four runs - two earned - in the first inning against starter Freddy Flores. A two-run double by shortstop Mike DeJesus opened up the scoring before a pair of errors allowed New Jersey to extend their lead to 4-0. After an RBI groundout in the top of the second off the bat of third baseman Phillip Cuadrado got Brockton on the scoreboard, New Jersey made it 5-1 in the bottom of the inning when second baseman Marcus Sanders scored on a double play.

After New Jersey tacked on a run in the bottom of the fifth inning on a leadoff home run by first baseman Myron Leslie, Jackals' starter Stuart Pomeranz yielded three runs in the top of the sixth inning as right fielder Jud Thigpen led off with his 10th home run of the season before rookie catcher Jon Gossard laced a two-run double later in the frame. However, Pomeranz (5-5) pitched well enough to earn the win, allowing four runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings while walking three and striking out a batter.

Flores (3-2), who had walked just three batters in 30 2/3 innings entering Wednesday's start, allowed seven free passes while surrendering six runs - four earned - on five hits in five innings while striking out two. Flores also committed one of the Rox three first-inning errors.

The teams exchanged runs in the seventh to cap the scoring with New Jersey right fielder successfully laying down a suicide squeeze with Leslie aboard at third following a leadoff single. Jackals' closer Rusty Tucker recorded the final four outs to notch his league-leading 16th save of the season.

In the contest, the Jackals stole four bases in four attempts, extending their league lead to 72. During their current series against Brockton, New Jersey has successfully swiped seven bags in seven tries. Offensively, Leslie, DeJesus, and third baseman Mike Scanzano each recorded two hits for the Jackals, who remain in first place in both the overall and second-half standings.

The Rox were not without their chances as they stranded 11 runners on base, leaving at least one man aboard in each frame as they dropped their fifth consecutive contest to New Jersey dating back to June 12.

The Jackals and Rox conclude their three-game series on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. when New Jersey sends left-hander Isaac Pavlik (5-3, 3.74 ERA) to the mound for his 12th start against Brockton southpaw Fraser Robinson (5-2, 4.33 ERA). Cody Chrusciel and Joey Whelan have the call on the live webcast beginning 10 minutes prior to first pitch at www.Jackals.com.

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. The Jackals have clinched the 2009 Can-Am League first-half title and an automatic berth in the playoffs, which begin on September 9. Playoff and regular 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 29, 2009


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