Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Jackals Defeat Worcester On Leslie's Walkoff Hit In Tenth

Published on September 1, 2009 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, NJ - The New Jersey Jackals have made a habit of overcoming late inning deficits this season and on Tuesday night first baseman Myron Leslie added another chapter to a growing book by lacing a game winning two-run single to cap a 5-4 victory over the Worcester Tornadoes at Yogi Berra Stadium.

Trailing 3-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, things looked bleak for New Jersey with Worcester brining in their closer Anthony Sullivan to shut the door. The momentum would quickly swing in the Jackals favor as shortstop Mike DeJesus lined a triple to left field and scored moments later on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Timo Perez to tie the game.

In the top of the tenth the Jackals turned to their closer Rusty Tucker to hold the game Tornadoes at bay until the bottom of the inning. Things didn't go accordingly though as with one out, Worcester right fielder Carlos Sosa blasted a solo home run to dead center to push the Tornadoes back out in front 4-3. That only set the stage for the Jackals to pull off another trilling victory.

The Tornadoes opted to lift Sullivan for left-hander Chris Anderson in hopes of finally finishing off New Jersey for a win. That plan would fail as well. Anderson (2-2) walked three batters to load the bases with two outs, setting the stage for Leslie's dramatic hit. With third baseman Mike Scanzano representing the tying run at third and second baseman Marcus Sanders the winning run at second, Leslie ripped a fastball down the third base line into left, scoring both runners and ending the game amidst a mob of happy teammates who circled him on the field.

Both starters in the contest took no-decisions, as the majority of offense occurred latter in the game. New Jersey starter Nick Asselin lasted seven innings, allowing just two earned runs on five hits, looking very sharp in his second start since joining the team. Worcester right-hander Jusef Frias went five frames on the mound and allowed two earned runs as well, one coming on a sac fly from Perez, the other on an RBI-single from Leslie.

With the win, the Jackals improved 5-3 this season in extra inning games and have now beaten the Tornadoes twice in walk off fashion at home.

New Jersey will continue its series with Worcester tomorrow night with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. The Jackals will send left-hander Sean Thompson to the mound with the Tornadoes countering with right-hander Baron Short. 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 September 1, 2009


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