Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Jackals Fall to Saints 3-2 on Sunday Night

Published on September 6, 2015 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


St. Paul, MN - In what turned out to be a great test for the Jackals before the playoffs begin on Wednesday, New Jersey fell only one run short to the St. Paul Saints by the score of 3-2, as Anthony Phillips' base hit to center field with the bases loaded in the ninth was the difference.

The Jackals had a lot of chances to put the Saints away early in this contest. New Jersey jumped out to a 2-0 lead on Saints starter, Dustin Crenshaw, who is tied for second in the American Association in wins with 14, but they could never tack on.

Matt Helms led off the top of the second against Crenshaw by drawing a walk on five pitches. Next, D'Vontrey Richardson doubled off the wall in left-center, easily scoring Helms to give the Jackals a 1-0 lead.

Jared Schlehuber then drove in his seven run in the last ten games with a bloop single to right field, scoring Richardson to make it 2-0.

But, it could have been so much more. In the top of the third the Jackals had runners on second and third with Leandro Castro coming up to the plate. However, Castro lined out to right, stranding both Anthony Gomez and Mark Threlkeld in scoring position.

Later on in the eighth inning with the game now tied at two, the Jackals had the momentum pointing in their direction after Tony Caldwell's double off the wall in right to lead off the inning. Later in the frame, Anthony Gomez was hit by a pitch and Mark Threlkeld drew a walk to load the bases for Castro. Unfortunately, Castro popped up to center field ending the potential rally.

Gabriel Perez got the start for New Jersey, and through the games first three innings he looked great, holding St. Paul hitless in the early going. However, the right-hander couldn't figure out switch-hitting second baseman Ryan Cavan. Cavan hit a solo home run off Perez in the bottom of the fourth that cut the Jackals lead to 2-1. Then in the bottom of the fifth, Cavan lined a base hit to right to drive in Nate Hanson with the tying run.

Perez went five innings allowing two runs on four hits with four strikeouts in his final tune up before the playoffs.

Brian Ernst, who spot in the rotation was skipped in this series, came in relief of Perez and pitched a scoreless sixth inning. Francisco Gracesqui held St. Paul scoreless over two innings in relief in the seventh and eighth innings.

However things just weren't meant to be in the bottom of the ninth. A base hit by Ian Gac was soon followed by an infield bunt single by Ryan Lashley. Next, Nate Hanson dropped down a bunt down the third base line as the Jackals had the wheel play on. Jared Schlehuber came in and picked up the ball and turned to third base and threw to Peter Mooney, who was covering the third base bag. The play was close, but pinch runner Sam Maus was called safe at third base.

With the base loaded the Jackals had to bring the entire infield in, including center fielder D'Vontrey Richardson as a fifth infielder. After a lengthy battle with Hector Nelo, Saints shortstop Anthony Phillips lined a base hit up the middle, scoring Maus with the winning run.

NEXT: The Jackals wrap up their 2015 regular season schedule on Monday afternoon against the St. Paul Saints. Shawn Sanford is expected to make the start for New Jersey. First pitch is at 12 noon, ET.

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Canadian American League Stories from September 6, 2015


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