Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Jackals Hold off Tornadoes in Nightcap to Earn Doubleheader Split

Published on July 26, 2011 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Worcester, Mass. - In a rain-delayed doubleheader, the New Jersey Jackals dropped the first contest, 3-2, but rallied from behind in the nightcap for an 11-8 win on a cool Tuesday night at Hanover Insurance Park. First pitch of the doubleheader was pushed back one hour, 40 minutes due to rain with the final pitch being thrown just before midnight.

In a back and forth nightcap that featured a combined eight errors, Kris Sanchez broke a 7-7 tie in the top of the seventh when he crushed a two-run home run, his team-leading 10th of the season, to right field to give the Jackals a 9-7 edge. New Jersey tacked on a pair of runs later in the inning to extend their lead to 11-7.

In the bottom of the seventh, Worcester's Chris Colabello led off with his 15th homer of the season against Jeff Gogal, but New Jersey hung on for the victory.

The Jackals jumped out to a 5-0 lead against Worcester starter Ryan Bicondoa as they plated five two-out runs over the first two frames. The Tornadoes rallied for the game's next seven runs, however, taking their first lead of the day when they pushed across five fifth-inning runs with the help of a trio of Jackals' errors to make it 7-5. From there though, the Jackals scored six straight runs to help secure the win.

Bobby Gagg started the nightcap for the Jackals but did not factor in the decision after allowing five runs (three earned) on six hits over 4 1/3 innings. Mike Moore (2-0) notched the win in relief while Worcester reliever Sean Gregory (0-2) was tagged with the loss after surrendering the Sanchez home run.

Shortstop Mike DeJesus finished the nightcap 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs while designated hitter Mike Jones drove in three runs and third baseman Nick Giarraputo added a pair of hits. Right fielder Chris White tripled, scored, and knocked in a run.

In game one, New Jersey catcher Chris Anderson connected on his sixth home run of the season, but the Jackals were unable to overcome an early 3-0 deficit as they fell to Worcester, 3-2.

After surrendering three runs in the first inning, Jackals' starter Jon Kibler (0-3) buckled down and tossed scoreless baseball the rest of the way, stranding seven runners on base through six innings. Worcester starter Zach Zuercher (8-5) picked up the win after fanning eight batters and allowing just four hits over seven innings.

After Anderson cut the New Jersey deficit to 3-1 with his leadoff homer in the sixth, the Jackals plated a run in the eighth when newcomer Sean Smith led off with a walk, stole second, and scored later in the frame on an Argenis Reyes sacrifice fly to make it a 3-2 contest. Anderson then drew a two-out walk in the seventh to put the tying run on base, but pinch runner Chris White was thrown out trying to steal second to end the contest as Worcester closer Rick Asadoorian nailed down his ninth save of the season.

Anderson finished the opener 2-for-2 with Myron Leslie and DeJesus also adding base hits in the loss.

The Jackals and Tornadoes play the third contest of their four-game series on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Hanover Insurance Park when New Jersey sends southpaw Isaac Pavlik (9-1, 2.49 ERA) to the mound against Worcester left-hander Shawn Gilblair (2-4, 4.55 ERA). Cody Chrusciel has the call on the live webcast beginning 10 minutes prior to first pitch at jackals.com.

Jackal Bites: Jackals' manager Joe Calfapietra was ejected for arguing a balk called against Jon Kibler in the third inning of game one... New Jersey pitching and third base coach Ed Ott was ejected by home plate umpire Rob Dickinson from the dugout after Alex Trezza's home run in the bottom of the fourth of the nightcap... Worcester's game two starter, Ryan Bicondoa, had allowed two earned runs or less in each of his first six starts prior to Tuesday... The season series between New Jersey and Worcester is tied 4-4 while the all-time series is deadlocked 49-49... In all three of their doubleheaders this season, the Jackals have dropped the first contest and won the nightcap while the Tornadoes have won game one and lost game two in all four of their twin bills... Prior to his game-winning home run in the nightcap, Kris Sanchez was 0-for-7 with four strikeouts and an error.

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. 2011 single-game tickets, 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 July 26, 2011


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