JackHammers, Mazone shutout Canaries

Published on June 12, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release


SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Joliet JackHammers (12-10) defeated the Sioux Falls Canaries (5-17) 7-to-0 in front of 2,646 on Saturday night at The Birdcage. JackHammers starting LHP Brian Mazone (pronounced: Muh zone) pitched his second complete game shutout of the season as he worked a 10-strikeout, 3-hitter. The JackHammers have now won seven consecutive game-tying a team record they set on August 3-10, 2003. They are 3-and-0 through the first three games of this four-game series and eight-game road trip. The Canaries have lost nine straight.

With one out in the top of the 1st inning, John Lackaff (2-for-5) connected for his 6th double of the season down the left field line. Josh Loggins (3-for-5) singled home Lackaff for a 1-to-0 JackHammers lead. Corey Paul (2-for-4) followed with a single to right field that advanced Loggins to third base. On the throw to third base, Paul advanced to second base. Then, Jeff Goldbach (2-for-4) doubled down the right field and collected 2 RBI for 14 on the season. The JackHammers led 3-to-0.

With two outs in the top of the 5th inning, Paul lifted a fly ball to left field that was misplayed by the left fielder, Joe Rhomberg. The JackHammers capitalized on that error. Goldbach crushed a 2-run home run to left field, and the JackHammers lead went up to 5-to-0. The round-tripper was Goldbach's 4th of the season, and his RBI total was upped to 16.

Canaries starting LHP Josh Merrigan (0-1) came off the disabled list on Saturday and his outing lasted 4.1 innings for the loss. He surrendered five runs (three earned), eight hits, walked three and struck out four.

Loggins elevated the JackHammers lead to 7-to-0 in the top of the 8th inning when he crushed a two-out 2-run home run to left field. It was his team leading 6th home run and 23rd RBI of the season. RHP Mike Lyons surrendered that hit.

Mazone's nine-inning effort included three hits allowed, two walks allowed and 10 strikeouts. Mazone's first complete game shutout of the season was a one-hitter against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks on May 26 at Silver Cross Field. Mazone's previous two outings in Sioux Falls include 13 strikeouts on August 26, 2003 (JackHammers individual record for most strikeouts in a game) and 11 strikeouts on June 29, 2002 (original strikeout record). Mazone is now 3-and-1.

LOOSE GRAVEL: This shutout was the third of the 2004 season for the JackHammers. Mazone has started six of the 15 shutouts in team history.

The JackHammers and Canaries wrap-up their four-game series at The Birdcage on Sunday evening at 5:05 pm. RHP Steve Hecker (1-2, 2.08) will start for the JackHammers, and RHP Wes Faust (1-1, 2.91) will start for the Canaries. This game will be heard live on 1340-AM WJOL and on the team's website of www.jackhammerbaseball.com. Bryan Dolgin will begin the pre-game show at 4:45 pm and have the play-by-play thereafter.

The JackHammers return home on Friday, June 18 to play the St. Paul Saints in a four-game series. The first 1,000 fans ages 21 and older will receive hospital scrubs courtesy of Silver Cross Hospital. Before the game, the Joliet Area Sports Hall of Fame will introduce the Class of 2004. It's an All-American Friday, and that means the JackHammers will wear red, white and blue uniforms, and a fireworks display will follow the game.

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Northern League Stories from June 12, 2004


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