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Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Jackals Bullpen Picks Up Slack In Series Clinching Win Over Skyhawks

August 30, 2009 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, NJ - A rain soaked week in North Jersey gave way to a gorgeous Sunday afternoon as the New Jersey Jackals and Sussex Skyhawks wrapped up their three-game series. For the second consecutive game it was all about the pitching as the Jackals took the series from Sussex, emerging with a 4-1 win at Yogi Berra Stadium.

As has been the case in the last week, New Jersey came out swinging the big bats early, taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run home run by shortstop Mike DeJesus. It was the fifth home run of the season for DeJesus, as he crushed a 3-2 fastball over the wall in left off Sussex starter Carter Clements (5-4).

The blast by DeJesus proved to be more than enough for Jackals starter A.J. Wideman who cruised in his 17th start of the season, allowing just one run on five hits over five innings of work. The lone mishap for Wideman (9-1) came in the third inning when with one out Sussex center fielder Jorge Moreno blasted a solo home run to cut the deficit to just one run for the Skyhawks.

The bullpen would take care of the rest with the trio of Kevin Gunter, Romas Hicks and Rusty Tucker combining to throw four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out seven batters, against no walks. Tucker, who pitched a perfect ninth inning, earned his Can-Am League best 24th save of the season and continues to build on his Jackals single-season record.

New Jersey picked up a pair of insurance runs in the seventh inning off Skyhawks reliever Edward Campusano who was in his first inning of work. Jackals left fielder Jerod Edmondson reached base on an error before catcher Matt Lauderdale drew a walk to put runners at first and second. Later in the inning with two outs, third baseman Mike Scanzano pulled a line drive to third that was misplayed by Sussex third baseman Chris Kelly, sending the ball careening into foul territory down the line in left. The play resulted in Edmondson and Lauderdale scoring, with Scanzano eventually getting thrown out at third to end the inning.

The win was the 50th of the season for the Jackals and gave them a record of 15-14 in the month of August, meaning New Jersey has finished .500 or better in every month of the season to date. DeJesus and center fielder Timo Perez both had multi-hit games in pacing the Jackals offense.

New Jersey will be back in action on Tuesday night as the Jackals begin their final home series of the regular season, starting a three-game set with the Worcester Tornadoes. Starters have not been named yet for the 7:05 p.m. contest. Joey Whelan will have the live call of the game at www.jackals.com with the pre-game show starting 10 minutes prior.

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 August 30, 2009


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