Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Jackals Strike Early to Notch Playoff-Opening Victory

Published on September 8, 2011 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, N.J. - The New Jersey Jackals pushed across three runs in the first inning and never looked back, defeating the Pittsfield Colonials, 5-1, on Thursday night in game one of the first round of the Can-Am League Playoffs at Yogi Berra Stadium.

New Jersey starter Isaac Pavlik allowed just one run over 6 2/3 innings to pick up the victory. Relievers Josh Ellis, Jared Locke, and Kyle Gunderson combined to allow just one baserunner over the final 2 1/3 innings.

With veteran Chad Paronto on the mound for Pittsfield, All-Star catcher Myron Leslie opened the scoring with a two-out solo home run onto the hill in right field. Later in the inning, a two-run double off the bat of Kris Sanchez gave the Jackals a 3-0 advantage.

The Jackals extended their lead to 4-0 in the second inning thanks to an unearned run. After Chris White reached on a one-out infield single and advanced to second on a groundout, Bryan Sabatella hit a dribbler to short and Pittsfield shortstop Matt Nandin threw the ball away as Sabatella reached on an infield single and White came plateward.

The Colonials scored their lone run in the top of the third inning on a two-out double into the right field corner by Danny Bomback.

New Jersey capped the scoring in the seventh when Leslie stroked an RBI double after Sean Smith was hit by a pitch and stole second.

Pittsfield threatened in the ninth when Billy Mottram drew a one-out walk, but cleanup hitter Angel Molina lined a ball to shortstop which Mike DeJesus snared in the air before firing to first to complete the game-ending double play.

Leslie and Sabatella both finished the night 2-for-4.

The Jackals and Colonials play game two of their best-of-five first-round playoff series on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. when New Jersey sends southpaw A.J. Wideman (7-2, 2.52 ERA) to the mound against Pittsfield right-hander Patrick Moran (11-3, 3.56 ERA) at Yogi Berra Stadium. Wideman enters the playoffs having won seven consecutive starts while Moran was named Can-Am League Rookie of the Year on Wednesday. Cody Chrusciel has the call on the live webcast beginning 15 minutes prior to first pitch at www.jackals.com.

JACKAL BITES: The Jackals' victory snapped an eight-game playoff losing streak that dated back to 2007... Chad Paronto, a 16-year veteran, tied a career high with nine strikeouts... Including the regular season, the Jackals are 24-4 this year when scoring in the first inning.

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 playoff tickets are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.

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Canadian American League Stories from September 8, 2011


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