Jackals Split Afternoon Doubleheader with Defenders
Published on July 22, 2009 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release
Nashua, NH - The New Jersey Jackals split a doubleheader against the American Defenders of New Hampshire on Wednesday afternoon at Historic Holman Stadium. New Jersey took the first contest 6-3 before New Hampshire rallied for a 3-2 victory in the second tilt.
In the first game, Jackals' left-hander A.J. Wideman (6-0) allowed three runs on four hits in five innings to remain undefeated. Wideman, who entered the contest with a league-low 1.92 ERA, walked one batter and struck out four.
After the Jackals plated four runs in the top of the first inning on a three-run home run by designated hitter Quinn Stewart and an RBI double by right fielder Quentin Davis to take a 4-0 lead, New Hampshire right fielder Angel Molina launched a three-run shot of his own in the bottom of the frame to pull the Defenders within one at 4-3 after one inning.
However, New Jersey scored two more in the top of the second on a two-run double off the bat of first baseman Myron Leslie. That hit made it 6-3 New Jersey and chased Defenders' starter Isaac Burkett from the game after he allowed six runs on seven hits in 1 1/3 innings. Burkett (3-6) took the loss.
Jackals' closer Rusty Tucker hurled a scoreless seventh inning to notch his 13th save of the season after Kevin Gunter held the Defenders off the scoreboard in the sixth. New Hampshire relievers Cooper Brannen and Patrick Driscoll pitched well in the loss, holding the Jackals scoreless over the game's final 5 2/3 frames.
In game two, the Defenders used back-to-back home runs by Molina and third baseman Chris Kelly in the bottom of the sixth inning to erase a 2-0 deficit en route to a 3-2 victory to salvage the final game of the four-game series.
The Jackals once again drew first blood when third baseman Mike Scanzano ripped a double into the gap in right-center to give New Jersey a 1-0 advantage in the top of the second inning. Then in the third, center fielder Quentin Davis led off with a walk and scored later in the inning on a fielders' choice off the bat of Stewart to make it 2-0.
New Jersey starter Ted Serro tiptoed through the first five innings, allowing at least one baserunner in each frame but holding New Hampshire scoreless. However, in the bottom of sixth, center fielder Edward Ovalle reached on a leadoff error. After Serro retired the next two batters, Molina crushed his second homer of the day to tie the score at 2-2. The next batter, Kelly, laced a solo shot over the short brick wall in left field to give the Defenders their first lead of the afternoon.
In the top of the ninth, closer Juan Padilla allowed a leadoff walk to Davis, but the Jackals' center fielder was thrown out trying to steal second before Padilla recorded the final two outs to collect his league-leading 15th save.
Serro (5-4) took the loss after allowing three runs - none earned - on seven hits with two walks and a strikeout in six innings. The win went to reliever Lucas Ledbetter (2-2), who tossed a scoreless sixth inning. Defenders' starter Francisco Serventes pitched well in his professional debut, but didn't factor in the decision after yielding two runs on four hits in five innings.
After the split, the first-half champion Jackals are 31-20 overall and 3-1 in the second half while the Defenders finish their home stand at 22-29 overall and 1-3 this half.
The Jackals return home to Yogi Berra Stadium on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. to begin a seven-game homestand with the first of four contests against Les Capitales de Quebec. In the series opener, New Jersey will send left-hander Isaac Pavlik (5-2, 3.11 ERA) to the mound for his 11th start of the season. Cody Chrusciel and Joey Whelan have the call on the live webcast beginning 10 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. 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.
Canadian American League Stories from July 22, 2009
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