Joliet Hammers Gary 16-4 for Sole Possession of Third Place
Published on September 5, 2010 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL - The Joliet JackHammers (52-46) exploded for 16 runs on 18 hits in a 16-4 rout Saturday night over the Gary SouthShore RailCats (51-47) in front of 4,527 fans at Silver Cross Field. All nine JackHammer hitters collected at least one run batted in and six had at least two hits.
Joliet blew the game wide open with nine runs in the seventh off Aaron Cook, sending 13 batters to the plate. Joe Billick knocked in a run with a bases loaded walk, putting the 'Hammers up 8-4. Jonathan Wyatt dropped in single with Kevin Rios, Brad Correll and Freddie Thon each knocking in two with doubles. Chris Colton wrapped up the scoring with a single to score Thon for the 16-4 final.
The JackHammers scored in the first five frames, taking a 5-1 lead against Nolan Nicholson (5-6). Colton launched a two run homer to center field in the second to put Joliet up 3-1. Jon Nelson and Richard Mercado knocked in runs in third on a single and a fielding error by Chris Carrara for the four run lead.
Gary battled back with three in the fourth off Paul Fagan (1-0) to cut the lead to 5-4. Cristian Guerrero, Jay Pecci and Mike Rohde all singled to start the inning with Rohde driving home a run. After Carrara and John Parham were retired, Adam Klein drove in two with a single to left center.
Nelson and Roberto Mena added sacrifice flies in the fourth and fifth against Nicholson to push the lead back to three before the 'Hammers erupted with nine in the seventh to put the game out of reach.
Fagan earned his first victory with Joliet, allowing four runs on nine hits over six innings. Fagan struck out five and walked one in his fourth start.
Nicholson surrendered seven runs in six frames on ten hits while Cook allowed nine runs on eight hits in one inning out of the bullpen.
Colton led the JackHammers with three hits, three runs batted in and three runs scored. Correll, Thon and Rios each collected three hits as well with Correll driving in three.
The JackHammers can clinch the 1-80 Trophy and the three seed in the playoffs tomorrow afternoon against Gary. Willie Glen (11-2) will take the bump opposite Devin Anderson (7-4). First pitch is slated for 2:10 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. pre-game show on the JackHammers Radio Network.
Loose Gravel - The JackHammers set season highs in runs (16), winning margin (14) and doubles (six) - All nine hitters scored and knocked in at least one run with eight of the nine collecting at least one hit - Richard Mercado extended his hitting streak to 13 games, including all ten games he has appeared in with Joliet - A win tomorrow would guarantee the three seed and a first round matchup with Kansas City with the first two games on Wednesday (9/8) and Thursday (9/9) at Silver Cross Field
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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