Hammers see winning streak snapped in loss

Published on July 25, 2008 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release


FARGO, ND-The Joliet JackHammers (31-30) fought back from deficits of 7-1 and 10-5 to get within striking distance of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks but could not complete a comeback, losing 10-7 on Friday night before 4,218 fans at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo, ND. The loss snaps the JackHammers four-game winning streak and extends the RedHawks (39-23) winning streak to 13 games.

Fargo-Moorhead scored two runs in the second inning on a two-run home run by Ruben Salazar (1-4). Joe Mathis (3-5) led off the game for the RedHawks and was thrown out at second base by catcher Nick Prosise. Carlo Cota (1-4) worked a walk and Salazar lifted a two-run home run over the right field wall for a 2-0 Joliet lead.

The JackHammers scored a run in the second inning. Cory Harris (1-3) led off the inning with a double and moved to third base on a fly out to center field by Joey Gomes (1-3). A sacrifice fly by Wally Backman, Jr. (1-3) scored Harris to cut the RedHawks lead in half at 2-1.

The RedHawks scored a run in the second inning and four runs in the third inning. In the second inning, Carlo Cota (1-4) hit an RBI single to score Berry for a 3-1 lead.

In the fourth inning, Zach Penprase (2-3) hit a three-run home run to advance the lead to 7-1. This came after Boomer Berry (3-4) hit a two-out single to score Alan Rick (2-4), who was at second base after being hit by a pitch and moving into scoring position on a single by Steve Mortimer (1-2).

The JackHammers scored four runs in the sixth inning to get within two runs at 7-5. Joe Hooft (1-4) broke a streak of ten consecutive men retired by RedHawks starting pitcher Todd George. Doc Brooks (1-4) followed with a two-run home run over the right field wall to bring the JackHammers within four runs at 7-3.

Nick McIntyre (1-4) followed the home run with a single and Steve Garrabrants (1-4) followed with an RBI double to plate McIntyre. Joliet scored one more run in the inning to get within two runs at 7-5.

Carlos Castillo (0-1) started the game for Joliet and lasted five innings. He allowed seven runs on 11 hits to suffer his first loss of the season. The RedHawks scored three runs in the seventh inning against RHP Tyler Meigs to take a 10-5 lead.

The JackHammers mounted a comeback in the ninth inning. Gomes led off the inning with a walk and moved to third on a double by Backman, Jr. Dennis Blackmon, Jr. (2-4) hit a two-run single to score both runners and get the JackHammers within three runs at 10-7.

Loose Gravel: Blackmon, Jr. made his first start of the season at first base for the JackHammers. Blackmon, Jr. had seen time at left field and right field this season in Joliet in addition to catching. Friday's start at first was the first of his professional career.

Loose Gravel: Brooks home run in the sixth inning on Friday means he has hit three home runs and driven in six runs over the last two games he's played. He hit two home runs and drove in four runs on Thursday in Schaumburg.

The JackHammers continue their series in Fargo on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. LHP Dustin Taylor (2-2, 7.21) gets the start for the JackHammers against RHP Billy Weitzman (3-1, 3.98) for the RedHawks. Pre-game coverage begins at 5:45 p.m. on AM 1340 WJOL and online at www.jackhammerbaseball.com.

The JackHammers currently have partial-season seats, mini-plan packages, group outings and individual tickets on sale. To invest in tickets, or for more information, please contact the JackHammers Ticket Department TODAY at 815.726.2255 (BALL), stop by the Silver Cross Field Box Office during normal business hours or visit the JackHammers website at www.jackhammerbaseball.com.

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Northern League Stories from July 25, 2008


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