Jacks to Make Run at Second Half
July 12, 2002 - Northeast League (NEL)
Adirondack Lumberjacks News Release
Glens Falls, NY- The Adirondack Lumberjacks fell just five games short of their bid to return to the Northern League playoffs for the first time since the 2000 season, but that hasn't stopped the team from believing that they can make a run at the second half title.
Led offensively in the first half by 1B Steve King, DH Lorenzo de la Cruz, and RF Juan LeBron, the Jacks finished five games behind first place Quebec, who also qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2000, with a 24-21 record. King, who came into the season as a pitcher, readjusted nicely to his role as a first baseman, a position he played in college. King finished the first half with a .303 batting average with two home runs and 25 RBI's. LeBron, who joined the club just a few weeks ago, has hit .400 with three home runs and 14 RBI's in just 16 games. The biggest offensive output has come form veteran Lorenzo de la Cruz, who enters the second half second in the league in batting average with a solid .362. De la Cruz has also knocked in 34 and has bashed five home runs. INF Eppie Guerrero has provided a solid bat in the middle of the lineup and an outstanding glove at second base. Guerrero has hit .276 with five home runs and 28 RBI's.
"It's very important to get off to a good start. I feel our ballclub is the strongest offensively that it has been all year. We're better off offensively now than when the season started," stated Jacks Manager Kash Beauchamp.
The Jacks pitching has been solid, particularly from the starting rotation. Lefty Chad Ward has rejoined the league leaders in ERA again this year. Ward is currently first in the league with a 1.83 ERA to compliment his 5-3 record and 53 strikeouts. Right-handers Mike Zipser and Derek Santiago have also had solid outings for the Jacks. Zipser has recorded a 3-6 record, but has a respectable 3.73 ERA. Santiago has struck out 55 while posting a 5-3 record and a 4.50 ERA. Closer Fontella Jones has notched 8 saves in the first half with 3.71 ERA. Jones has struck out 24 in 17 innings pitched.
"Our pitching has been good most of the year, but has struggled in the last two series. If our pitching returns to the form in which we are capable of, we will have one of the better teams in the league," Beauchamp continued.
New players including reliever Sam Greco, starter Denny Lail, and the newly acquired Todd Brock will help to develop the right chemistry needed to carry the Jacks to the second half championship and a birth in the 2002 Northern League Playoffs.
The Jacks open up the second half on Friday, July 12 against the Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs at Heritage Park in Albany. From there, they travel to Allentown for three games to take on the Ambassadors, before returning to East Field to take on the Dogs once again at 7 PM on Friday, July 19. For tickets to remaining Lumberjack home games, call the Jacks ticket office at (518) 743-9618.
• Discuss this story on the Northeast League message board...
Northeast League Stories from July 12, 2002
- Jacks to Make Run at Second Half - Adirondack Lumberjacks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Adirondack Lumberjacks Stories
- Silver To 'Hang 'Em Up'
- Jacks Add Another Bat to Lineup
- De la Cruz Named Player of the Week
- LeBron's Contract Purchased by St. Louis
- de la Cruz, Ward Named All Stars
