Hammering Home a Win
Published on July 27, 2002 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL â The Joliet JackHammers (9-6, 31-29) defeated the Lincoln Saltdogs (6-7, 31-26) 6-to-4 on Saturday night at Silver Cross Field. The JackHammers won 2 of 3 versus the Saltdogs in this three-game series, and they ended their 10-game season series with a 5-and-5 record. The JackHammers have won 5 of their last 6. The JackHammers are 18-and-12 at home.
The JackHammers scored three runs in the bottom of the 1st inning as eight batters came to the plate. Rick Wilkins (1-for-3) highlighted the inning with a RBI double off of the wall in right field. It was his 10th double and 35th RBI of the season.
Bryan Britt (1-for-4) clubbed his 10th home run and 29th RBI leading off the top of the 2nd inning. The Saltdogs tied the game at 3-to-3 with two outs in the top of the 3rd inning on Bryan Warner's (1-for-4) 2-RBI triple. Warner entered the game leading the Northern League Central with 50 RBI. He now has 52.
The JackHammers would break the tie in the bottom of the 4th inning as Rob Fischer (1-for-3) delivered a RBI single scoring Wilkins who walked and advanced to second base on Pete DeYoung's (1-for-4) single with one out. It was Fischer's 13th RBI.
Roberto Larreal (1-for-3) hit a one-out solo home run, his 1st of the season, in the top of the 6th inning tying the game at 4-to-4. The JackHammers answered with two runs in the bottom of the 6th. Brian Sprout (1-for-5) and Tony Chance (3-for-4 began the inning with singles and Derek Kopacz (1-for-4) was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Saltdogs starting RHP Mike Zipser (1-1) was lifted from the game for LHP Andy Lee.
Lee allowed a sacrifice fly ball hit by Matt Nokes (1-for-3) and a fielder's choice RBI to Wilkins. That closed the line on Zipser who worked 5+ innings, allowed eight hits, six runs (five earned), five walks, and he struck out two for the loss.
JackHammers starting LHP Brian Mazone (9-3) pitched seven innings for the win. He allowed six hits, four runs (all earned), no walks, and he struck out five. Mazone leads the Northern League Central with nine wins. RHP Matt Hammons faced four batters in the top of the 9th inning for his 12th save. He ranks second in saves.
LOOSE GRAVEL: After the game, the JackHammers traded RHP Doug Johnston to the Saltdogs for infielder Roberto Larreal (pronounced: La rell). Johnston is 0-and-4 with a 4.73 ERA in 10 games (6 starts). Larreal entered this game with a .091 (1-for-11) batting average through 4 games, but he did hit a home run in a 1-for-2 night in this game.
The JackHammers say good-bye to the Saltdogs for the season, take a day off on Sunday and welcome the Sioux City Explorers to Silver Cross Field on Monday night at 7:05 PM. RHP Randy Goodrich (2-2, 3.66) will start for the JackHammers. Monday's game is when fan's can pay what they think the game is worth. The JackHammers will allow fans to purchase tickets in advance or on the day of the game. They also will pass out to tickets at the main gates to those who wish not to pay up front. The ushers will walk the isles during the game with collection buckets for fans to pay what they feel the game is worth to them.
In addition, clip the coupon in the Herald News and exchange that coupon at the Silver Cross Field concession stands to get a dollar hot dog (limit of 4 per coupon). For tickets, please call 815-726-BALL(2255), order on-line at www.jackhammerbaseball.com or stop at the Silver Cross Field ticket office.
Northern League Stories from July 27, 2002
- Dogs capitalize on Brockton errors, win 10-7 - Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs
- Hammering Home a Win - Joliet JackHammers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
