Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Jackals headed to New Haven

Published on July 14, 2004 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, NJ – The Jackals did the improbable, by winning four games in two days against the Elmira Pioneers, forcing a one game playoff for the first half, South Division Championship with the New Haven County Cutters on Thursday, July 15, 2004.

In game one, again behind a stellar pitching performance, the Jackals muscled their way to a 7-3 victory over the Elmira Pioneers.

After two scoreless innings, the Jackals put up three runs. John Anderson singled, scoring Alberto Vasquez, and Kevin Grijak doubled with the bases loaded, scoring two.

In the fourth, the Pioneers would tie the ballgame on one swing of the bat. With two aboard, former Jackal Steve Checksfield launched a three run homerun over the left field wall.

New Jersey would re-take the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Wilton Veras singled, pushing one across, followed by Wady Almonte's two RBI double. With two outs, and Grijak on third, Scott Goodman added an RBI single. After five innings, New Jersey led Elmira 7-3.

Elmira starter Matt Burch lasted four and a third innings, giving up six earned runs on eight hits. He picked up the loss.

Joel Bennett, of the Jackals, pitched a complete game. Bennett gave up three earned runs, on five hits, while earning his second victory of the season.

For the Pioneers, Steve Checksfield was 2-3 with a double, and a three run homerun.

Zack Smithlin tallied two hits, a run scored, and a stolen base, for the Jackals. Wady Almonte was 1-3 with a double and two RBI.

In game two, The Jackals completed a four game sweep, in two days, of the Elmira Pioneers, with a 3-2 victory.

The Elmira Pioneers came out extremely aggressive in the top of the first. Dytarious Edwards reached base on a drag bunt. He then stole two bases. With one out and Edwards on third base, Jeremy Dodson grounded out, allowing Edwards to cross the plate.

They would add an insurance run in the top of the second. With runners at second and third, with one out, Ronnie Deck grounded out, pushing across the second Pioneer run of the ballgame.

In the bottom of the second, the Jackals would slice the Elmira lead in half. With runners at first and second, Scott Goodman singled, scoring one.

The equalizer for the Jackals would come in the bottom of the fourth. Kevin Grijak nailed a solo homerun over the right field wall, making it a 2-2 ballgame.

The lead would change hands in the bottom of the sixth. Wilton Veras hit an opposite field, solo homerun, putting the Jackals ahead 3-2, and that would be the final.

Josh Miller pitched sixth and a third innings, giving up only one earned run on four hits, while striking out six. Miller improves his record to 4-2. Fabricio Benitez picked up his fifth save.

Elmira starting pitcher Julio LaSalle took a tough loss. He pitched six innings, while giving up two earned runs on six hits.

Wilton Veras was 2-3 with two runs scored, and an RBI.

For Elmira, Jobu Morita was 2-2 with a double.

The victory puts the Jackals and the Cutters in a tie for the first half, South Division Championship. A one game playoff will be played on Thursday, July 15, 2004 at Yale Field, in New Haven. The first pitch is 7:05 p.m. Make sure to catch all the Jackals action on WPSC 88.7fm, and on the web at www.jackals.com.

The Jackals head to Brockton, to face the Rox in a three game series, immediately following the completion of Thursday night's game. Following their series, the Jackals will be off for the All-Star Break. They will be sending two players to Ft. Worth, Texas. Right fielder Wady Almonte, and third baseman Wilton Veras will be the New Jersey representatives. The game is on Tuesday, July 20, 2004.

The New Jersey Jackals return home for the second half of the season, on Thursday July 22, 2004 when the Northeast League Aces come to town for a four game series. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m at Yogi Berra Stadium. For tickets, please call the Jackals Ticket Office at (973) 746-7434. Other information on the Jackals can be obtained by visiting www.jackals.com.

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Canadian American League Stories from July 14, 2004


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