JackHammers Rally Falls Short in 7-6 Defeat
September 5, 2010 - Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL - The Gary SouthShore RailCats (52-47) raced out to a 7-1 lead, but the Joliet JackHammers (52-47) battled back with five runs before succumbing 7-6 Sunday afternoon in front of 4,016 fans at Silver Cross Field. The Joliet loss sets up a showdown tomorrow night with the winner taking home the three seed in the Northern League playoffs.
The JackHammers had late opportunities to tie the game, including in the ninth inning. Roberto Mena reached on a throwing error by Jay Pecci to lead off the frame. Jonathan Wyatt struck out and Mena moved to second on a wild pitch with Kevin Rios at the plate. Rios would pop out in foul ground to first and Brad Correll lined out to right center against Andy Shipman for the 7-6 final score.
Joliet put the tying and go ahead runs in scoring position in the eighth against Chris Chavez. Jon Nelson and Richard Mercado singled to put two runners on with one out. Chris Colton flew out in foul territory to first for the second out. Shipman relieved Chavez and quickly went ahead 0-2 to Ryan Wehrle with Nelson and Mercado moving up on the double steal. Wehrle hit a bouncing ball off Shipman's glove that deflected to Tanner Townsend at second, who then threw out Wehrle to stop the rally.
The RailCats came out swinging, scoring seven runs over the first four frames. Gary plated five runs in the first three innings against Devin Anderson (7-5). Adam Klein scored in the first on a Townsend base hit after reaching on a Freddie Thon throwing error.
Gary added three in the third on four singles and a Joliet error. Mike Reese singled home Townsend and Pecci drove in two more with a single for a 5-1 advantage.
The JackHammers chipped away on a Jon Nelson two run long ball in the fourth against James Baker (3-5) and three in the seventh off Chavez. Mike Rohde's error to start the inning allowed Mercado to reach with Colton following with a single. After a wild pitch, Mena knocked in two with a base hit and Rios plated another to inch the 'Hammers within 7-6.
Zeb Engle got the spot start for Gary, allowing only one run in three innings on two hits. Baker earned the victory, surrendering two runs on the Nelson homer in two frames.
The JackHammers bullpen allowed only two runs in the final six innings with William Jackel, Wes Alsup and Erik Hamren all working scoreless frames. Brian Gartley allowed two runs in the fourth, but retired the final eight hitters he faced and struck out a season high five.
Anderson took the loss, working the first three innings allowing five runs (two earned) on eight hits with three strikeouts.
Nelson and Mercado each had two hits with Nelson and Mena each driving in a pair of runs.
The JackHammers and RailCats will conclude the 2010 regular season tomorrow night at Silver Cross Field. Jeremy Hauer (0-2) and Todd Privett (9-5) is the starting pitching matchup. First pitch is set for 5:10 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. pre-game show on 1340 WJOL.
Loose Gravel
- With a win tomorrow, the JackHammers will open the playoffs at home on Wednesday against Kansas City. A loss will put the JackHammers in Fargo on Wednesday
- Richard Mercado continues his torrid stretch, extending his hitting streak to 14 games
- The JackHammers are currently 7-6 against the RailCats and will take home the 1-80 Trophy with a victory tomorrow
- Each team committed three errors in the game, leading to a combined five unearned runs
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Northern League Stories from September 5, 2010
- JackHammers Rally Falls Short in 7-6 Defeat - Joliet JackHammers
- Kansas City Clips Hawks, 6-4 - Kansas City Monarchs
- Goldeyes Cap Season with Victory - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- RailCats Score Early, Hold off Joliet for 7-6 Win - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Wright Wins 20th in 8-2 RiverHawk Win - Rockford RiverHawks
- Flyers Go for Sweep in Season Finale - Schaumburg Flyers
- Fielders Offense Struggles Against Wright; Fall 8-2 to RiverHawks - Lake County Fielders
- Joliet Hammers Gary 16-4 for Sole Possession of Third Place - Joliet JackHammers
- Brownell beats RiverHawks, 14-1 - Rockford RiverHawks
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