JackHammers survive RailCats for 12-11 win
Published on July 20, 2008 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL- Cory Harris (3-4, 3 RBI) and Steve Garrabrants (3-5, 4 RBI) combined to drive in seven runs as the JackHammers ended a three-game losing streak by beating the Gary SouthShore RailCats 12-11 before 2,738 fans at Silver Cross Field on Sunday night. The JackHammers also got a two-run home run from Dennis Blackmon, Jr. (3-4) for his first home run of the 2008 season.
The JackHammers and RailCats each scored one run in the first inning. After the RailCats scored a run on an error in the top of the first inning, the JackHammers tied the game at 1-1 with a solo home run by Garrabrants in the bottom of the first inning. The JackHammers and RailCats had a 1-1 score heading into the second inning.
Joliet scored six runs in the second inning to take a 7-1 lead. Andy Launier (1-5) led off with a double and moved to third on a single by Joe Hooft. After Mike Caruso (2-5) struck out, Garrabrants hit a two-run double to score Launier and Hooft to give the JackHammers a 3-1 lead. Harris hit a sacrifice fly to score McIntyre and Joey Gomes (1-4) reached base on an error. Blackmon, Jr. hit a two-run home run to make it a six-run Joliet lead.
Caruso hit an RBI single as part of a two-run third inning. The JackHammers took a commanding 9-2 lead and knocked RailCats starter Brian Forystek (0-2) out of the game. The former JackHammer lasted two and one-thirds innings and allowed nine runs on nine hits to suffer the loss.
The RailCats scored three runs in the third inning on two home runs. Mike Reese (2-3) hit a solo home run and Jay Pecci (3-5) followed with a two-run homer to get the RailCats within five runs at 9-4.
Despite the RailCats scoring five runs over the last four innings, the JackHammers hitting responded in crucial situations. Harris hit an RBI double in the fifth inning to give the JackHammers a 10-6 lead and an RBI single in the seventh inning to give the JackHammers an 11-9 advantage.
Joliet scored a run in the eighth inning on an RBI double by Joe Hooft (3-5) and was able to withstand a two-run barrage by the RailCats in the ninth inning against Tyler Meigs, who pitched two innings to earn his seventh save of the season.
Dustin Taylor (2-2) pitched five and one-thirds innings and allowed eight runs, (six runs), on nine hits while walking four and striking out two.
Loose Gravel: The JackHammers made two roster moves before the game on Sunday, releasing RHP Kenny Evaniuk and signing LHP Matt Jernstad to a professional contract. Jernstad, an Oswego resident, comes to the JackHammers after finishing his college career at Northern Illinois University.
After an off day on Monday, the JackHammers travel to Schaumburg to begin a three-game series with the Flyers on Tuesday night. Joliet will send RHP Aaron Trolia (7-3, 4.07) to the mound on Tuesday against RHP Brian Finch (0-4, 5.37) for Schaumburg. The first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. and pre-game coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on AM 1340 WJOL and online at www.jackhammerbaseball.com.
The JackHammers currently have partial-season seats, mini-plan packages, group outings and individual tickets on sale. To invest in tickets, or for more information, please contact the JackHammers Ticket Department TODAY at 815.726.2255 (BALL), stop by the Silver Cross Field Box Office during normal business hours or visit the JackHammers website at www.jackhammerbaseball.com.
Northern League Stories from July 20, 2008
- JackHammers survive RailCats for 12-11 win - Joliet JackHammers
- T-Bones Take Series Finale - Kansas City Monarchs
- JackHammers Survive for 12-11 Win Over RailCats in Joliet - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Comeback Falls Short For Flyers Against T-Bones - Schaumburg Flyers
- RedHawks pound Goldeyes, 12-4 - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- T-Bones Sign Former Major Leaguer - Kansas City Monarchs
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