SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

Lakewood Snaps Nine-Game Skid, 3-0

Published on June 8, 2003 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


(Lakewood, NJ) Lakewood snapped its franchise-record nine-game losing streak on Sunday, winning the opener of a day-night double header, 3-0 over the Hagerstown Suns behind the left arm of Phillies 2002 first-round draft pick Cole Hamels. The lefty threw a four-hit shutout, striking out a career-high 13, while hitting one and not walking a batter, and Jeremy Isenhower backed him with all three RBI. The BlueClaws, now 20-42 in the first half, captured the first of a 12-game home stand, while the Suns are 32-28, losers of five straight.

Hamels was hardly challenged in his sixth professional start. He did not even go to three balls on a hitter, and threw 19 of 24 first-pitch strikes, 63 of 82 overall.

Lakewood got all it would need in the first against Matt Cain, a former San Francisco Giants first-round pick. Chris Roberson singled to right, moved to second on an Esteban de los Santos groundout, and scored on a Jeremy Isenhower double to left, over the head of Karl Jernigan.

Hamels then got some help defensively to stay on top in the third. Steve Holm singled to right-center with one out, the first hit off Hamels, and moved to second on an errant pickoff attempt. Jake Wald then struck out, before Fred Lewis looped a 1-0 pitch back of short. Karl Nonemaker made a perfect one-hop throw to the plate, nailing Holm to end the threat.

Hagerstown also came up with a one-out single in the fourth by Derin McMains, and a two-out single by Carlos Sosa to left. Catcher Brian Munhall then struck out to end the inning. From there, Hamels only allowed one base runner, when he hit Karl Jernigan with a first-pitch fastball with one out in the sixth.

Lakewood would cap the scoring in the fifth against Cain. Casey Martinez walked to start the rally and moved to second on a single to center by Karl Nonemaker. Chris Roberson followed with a bunt single to load the bases. After Esteban de los Santos popped to short, Isenhower singled to left-center driving home two runs for a 3-0 advantage.

Isenhower, who was just named to the SAL All-Star Game was 2-for-3, while Nonemaker was 2-for-2 and Roberson was 2-for-3.

Lakewood seeks a sweep of the doubleheader in a 6:05 second game start. Matt Sweeney (0-5) will face off against Clay Hensley (3-3) in a matchup of righties. Coverage on WOBM AM 1160 and www.sportsjuice.com begins at 5:50. The first 2,000 fans 17 and under will receive Gavin Floyd bobble heads, thanks to First Union/Wachovia.

Great tickets are available for all home games and tickets for all BlueClaws home games are now available by calling (732) 901-7000, option 2. Box-office hours are Monday through Friday 9-to-5 and Saturday 9-to-3. On game days the box-office is open until the end of the game.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 8, 2003


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