Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Jackals cruise to victory; first half crown still within reach

July 11, 2006 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, NJ The New Jersey Jackals came into tonight's matchup versus the Brockton Rox with their backs against the wall, a must-win game if the Jackals were to stay in the close hunt for the Can-Am League 1st Half Championship. The 6 team race all comes down to these final 2 games of the half; not only do the Jackals need wins in both of their games, but Sussex and Worcester need to each come away with at least 1 victory.

Before the Jackals could do any scoreboard watching, though, they needed to take care of their own business, and they did just that. No time was wasted in jumping on top of Brockton, as New Jersey pushed 4 runs across the board in the 1st inning. With 1 out, CF Zack Smithlin singled to left field, and then proceeded to steal 2nd base. All-Star Jason Belcher dug in next, and a bloop single on the right side of the infield just couldn't be handled by the Rox defense, and speedy Smithlin scored on the sloppy play. 3B Wilton Veras then stepped up to the plate and shot a double all the way to the wall, with Belcher advancing to 3rd. Big Bill Peavey made the 2nd out with a deep fly ball that allowed Belcher to tag up and score, making it 2-0 Jackals. The damage continued to be done with back-to-back-to-back singles by "The Mayor" John Lindsey, 2B Joe Mihalics, and C Clay Kuklick. Mihalics and Kuklick each picked up RBIs, and the Jackals found themselves comfortably ahead 4-0. They would never relinquish control of the lead.

"The Pitbull" Isaac Pavlik had more than enough run support, and the All-Star southpaw improved his record to 6-1 on the year. He went 5 innings, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs, though only 2 were earned, while striking out 4 and walking 2. RHP James Mondesir and RHP Joe Orloski preserved the Jackals lead, though the Rox scored an unearned run as Orloski worked the 8th inning. In the 9th, with a 7-4 lead, RHP Jason Wylie came into the game to go for his 2nd straight save, and 4th on the season. He allowed 1 hit, no runs, walked 1, and froze Rox 3B Mike Torres, striking him out to end the ballgame.

Brockton Rox RHP Joey Baker took the loss, dropping his record to 2-2, as he got shelled over 3 innings of work. The Jackals recorded 9 hits off Baker, scoring 6 runs (3 earned), while only striking out once.

With Sussex getting rained out at North Shore, and Worcester losing to New Haven, the Jackals will need the moon and the stars to align and everything to fall into place tomorrow if they are to grab the Can-Am 1st Half Championship. Sussex will play a day-night doubleheader, and, if fate is to be on the Jackals side, Sussex and Worcester must each win a game, while the Jackals need to continue to beat up on Brockton. Tomorrow's game at Yogi Berra Stadium is a special Camp Day game, with a 12:05pm start time. Lawn seats are still available.

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Canadian American League Stories from July 11, 2006


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