Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Jackals Fall To Rox In 14th Inning Of Suspended Game

Published on August 30, 2008 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Brockton, MA - A bases-loaded wild pitch by Jackals closer Rusty Tucker in the bottom of the 14th inning enabled Brockton Rox 2B Melvin Falu to slide in safely with the winning run as the Rox defeated the Jackals 3-2 in a five hour contest. The game, which began on Friday night, was suspended following eleven and a half innings to allow the Rox to complete their Friday night fireworks promotion and continued prior to Saturday's regularly-scheduled game at 6:05 p.m. The teams combined to strand 29 runners on base (16 by New Jersey and 13 by Brockton).

In the 14th, the Jackals brought in Tucker, who hadn't surrendered a run since July 6th, a string of 19 2/3 consecutive innings. Falu led off with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. After a ground out advanced Womack to third with one out, the Jackals intentionally walked RF Dennis Abreu. Abreu then took second on a defensive indifference to place runners on second and third with one away. Tucker proceeded to strike out 3B Eugene Julien, who had entered as a pinch runner in the eighth inning. An intentional walk to LF Jud Thigpen loaded the bases with two outs for 1B Jason Colson. Colson fell behind Tucker with an 0-2 count before Tucker launched a fastball over the head of C Craig Maddox, plating Falu and sealing the Rox victory.

Tucker (3-3) took the loss while Rox reliever Keith Noe (2-1) hurled four shutout inning to earn the win. Jackals' starter Tom Atlee started but didn't receive a decision despite allowing two runs in seven innings and striking out a career-high ten batters. For Brockton, Santo Hernandez started and surrendered two runs on seven hits in seven innings while fanning seven hitters.

The Rox opened up the scoring in the bottom of the first inning against New Jersey starter Tom Atlee. 2B Melvin Falu led off with a base hit, his 136th of the season, which set a new Can-Am League single-season record (the previous record of 135 was set in 2005 by Jackals CF Zack Smithlin). The next batter, CF Josh Womack, reached on a fielder's choice. Womack then stole second with one out before scoring on an RBI single up the middle off the bat of 3B Eduardo Rios, which gave the Rox a 1-0 advantage. Brockton added another run in the bottom of the fourth to take a 2-0 lead when RF Dennis Abreu drew a walk to begin the inning and later scored on a Jud Thigpen RBI single.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Jackals broke though against Rox starter Santo Hernandez as DH Luke Allen laced a two-run two-out single to even the score at 2-2. That score held until the game was suspended heading into the bottom of the 12th inning.

When play resumed on Saturday evening, the teams continued to post zeros on the scoreboard until the Rox walked off victorious in the 14th.

The Jackals and Rox continue their four-game series on Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. when New Jersey sends right-hander Ryan Pacyna (2-1, 4.50 ERA) to the hill against Brockton righty Wayne Lundgren (10-3, 3.25 ERA). Follow the Jackals on the road by tuning in to the team's live webcast at www.jackals.com to catch every inning of action with the broadcast beginning five minutes prior to first pitch.

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. 2008 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, 2008


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