JackHammers Win and Stay in First Place
Published on August 20, 2002 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL â The Joliet JackHammers (22-12, 44-35) defeated the Sioux Falls Canaries (19-13, 37-40) 9-to-5 on Tuesday night in front of 3,598 fans at Silver Cross Field. The JackHammers are 3-and-1 through four games of this six-game home stand and are 2-and-2 versus the Canaries this season. The JackHammers remain in first place by a half game in the Northern League Central Southern Division.
Felix Pagan (1-for-5) led off the top of the 4th inning with a booming home run to left field. It was his 12th home run and 33rd RBI of the season. In the bottom half of the 4th inning and with two outs, Eddie Fink (2-for-4) lifted his 2nd home run and 6th RBI of the season over the left field wall top tie the game at 1-to-1. Fink is a rookie who's from Chicago and went to college at nearby Lewis University in Romeoville, IL.
Former JackHammers outfielder Trey Beamon (1-for-5) gave the Canaries a 2-to-1 lead with a two-out RBI single to left field in the top of the 5th inning. However, the JackHammers sent nine batters to the plate in the bottom of the 5th inning and scored five runs. The highlight of the inning was Fink's 2-out, 2-RBI single that gave the JackHammers a 6-to-2 lead. Canaries starting RHP John Boker (0-4) endured the loss allowing six runs (all earned), four hits, four walks, and he struck out three.
The Canaries responded with three runs in the top of the 6th inning. Carlos Villalobos (1-for-4) hit a RBI double, Gregg Maluchnik (1-for-3) lifted a RBI triple to the right field corner and Doug Dreher (1-for-2) lined a RBI single to left field. The JackHammers led 6-to-5. JackHammers starting RHP Rich Hyde (10-7) earned the win. He allowed five runs (all earned), 10 hits, two walks and struck out four in seven innings pitched.
The JackHammers lead went to 7-to-5 in the bottom of the 6th inning with Bubba Smith's (1-for-4) RBI on a ground out. They enhanced their lead to 9-to-5 in the bottom of the 7th inning. Tony Chance (1-for-3) highlighted the inning with a ground ball RBI double down the left field line.
LOOSE GRAVEL: All of the remaining regular season home games (six) are versus the Canaries. Canaries outfielder Trey Beamon was the JackHammers first ever free agent draft pick on October 30, 2001. The JackHammers traded him to the Canaries on July 11 for a player that has yet to be named.
The JackHammers and Canaries meet for the second game of this three-game series on Wednesday night. RHP Randy Goodrich (4-5, 3.34) will start for the JackHammers, and RHP Juan Renteria (1-4, 3.89) will start for the Canaries. The gates open at 6 PM, and the first pitch is slated for 7:05 PM.
The first 1,000 children (ages 12 and under) through the gates will receive a backpack courtesy of Illinois Operation Lifesaver. As part of the celebration of the City of Joliet's 150th birthday, general admission tickets, hot dogs, soft drinks and draft beer cost a $1.50 each. For tickets, please call 815-726-BALL (2255) or stop at the Silver Cross Field ticket office (opens at 9 AM).
Northern League Stories from August 20, 2002
- JackHammers Win and Stay in First Place - Joliet JackHammers
- Dogs Win 7-6 in 10 Innings - Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs
- Diamond Dogs To Host Special Got Milk? Day at Ballpark - Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs
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