JackHammers Clinch First Playoff Berth Since 2002
September 2, 2010 - Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL - The Joliet JackHammers (50-46) clinched their first playoff berth since 2002 despite a 3-1 rain shortened loss Thursday night at Silver Cross Field to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (58-37). Play was stopped in the bottom of the sixth with a runner at first and nobody out after heavy rains reached the Joliet area.
The JackHammers did clinch a playoff berth after Rockford fell in game one of a scheduled doubleheader to Winnipeg 15-2. Game two was canceled due to rain and thus mathematically eliminated the RiverHawks, giving the JackHammers their second playoff appearance in nine seasons.
The RedHawks made a two spot in the third inning hold up against Rory Shortell (3-9). Alan Rick doubled off the wall in right center and scored on a Mike Coles single. Nic Jackson followed with a bloop single to left, scoring Coles from second for the 2-0 lead.
Joliet got a run back in the fourth with T.J. Stanton on the mound. Jon Nelson struck out swinging, but reached on a wild pitch with one out. Freddie Thon singled and Richard Mercado followed with a base hit to left field to plate Nelson.
The JackHammers loaded the bases in the fifth, but couldn't push a run across. Joe Billick singled and Jonathan Wyatt doubled into the right field corner to put the first two on. Stanton left with an injury and Donnie Smith (3-1) came on, getting a groundout off the bat of Kevin Rios for the first out. After Brad Correll was intentionally walked, Nelson grounded into a double play to end the threat.
Shortell takes the loss, allowing three runs on five hits over 5.2 innings. Paul Fagan recorded the final out in the sixth after Jesse Hoorelbeke launched a home run to left field against Shortell.
Smith picks up the win out of the bullpen, throwing an inning in relief with Stanton going the first four. The starter surrendered one run on six hits with four strikeouts.
The JackHammers begin their final regular season home stand tomorrow night when the Gary SouthShore RailCats visit Silver Cross Field for a four game series. Bear Bay (9-5) will make his final regular season start. Tomorrow's game will not be broadcast due to high school football coverage on 1340 WJOL. First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m.
Loose Gravel - Joliet ended the season 5-7 against Fargo with the two teams currently in line to meet up in round one of the playoffs - Freddie Thon was 3-3 with three singles - The JackHammers left seven runners on in the six innings
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Northern League Stories from September 2, 2010
- RailCats Whip Schaumburg 15-0, Clinch Another Playoff Berth - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Goldeyes Slam RiverHawks 15-2 - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- JackHammers Clinch First Playoff Berth Since 2002 - Joliet JackHammers
- Win Streak Ends in Rain-Shortened Loss - Kansas City Monarchs
- Fielders Defeat T-Bones 7-4 in Rain Shortened Game - Lake County Fielders
- RiverHawks out of Playoff Hunt - Rockford RiverHawks
- RailCats Clinch Sixth Consecutive Playoff Berth - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- JackHammers Take on RedHawks at 7:10 pm - Joliet JackHammers
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