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Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Late Worcester Error Carries Jackals Past Tornadoes

August 6, 2010 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Worcester, Mass. - In a back-and-forth contest, the New Jersey Jackals upended the Worcester Tornadoes 6-5 on Friday night at Hanover Insurance Park. The win was New Jersey's third in a row.

With the game deadlocked at five heading to the top of the ninth inning, Matt McDonald relieved Worcester starter Justin Knoff. McDonald immediately walked shortstop Mike DeJesus, who was lifted for pinch runner Jeff Grose. McDonald's first pick-off attempt was airmailed wide of the bag, enabling Grose to advance from first to third. The next batter, center fielder Adam Godwin, lifted a sacrifice fly to deep center field to plate what proved to be the game-winning run.

After New Jersey fell behind early when Worcester second baseman Boomer Blanchard knocked in the game's first run on a second-inning single, the Jackals plated the game's next five runs to take a 5-1 advantage.

In the top of the third, Jackals second baseman Travis Jones lined his second home run of the season to left field after a leadoff single by catcher Angel Flores to give New Jersey a 2-1 lead. An inning later, Flores drove in a run on an infield single before DeJesus ripped a two-run double off the chalk behind first base and down the right field line to make it 5-1.

But Worcester battled back against New Jersey starter Ryan Lobban, scoring four consecutive runs of their own to even the score. After left fielder Ryan Crespi's fourth-inning RBI single made it a 5-2 contest, Worcester center fielder Danny Santiesteban launched a game-tying three-run homer to left to tie the game at five through five innings. Six of Santiesteban's 10 home runs this season have come against New Jersey while he's driven in 16 runs in six games against the Jackals.

New Jersey reliever Edward Rodriguez entered in the sixth, and tossed three scoreless innings while allowing just one infield single. Rodriguez induced a pair of inning-ending double plays in the sixth and eighth innings while retiring the side in the seventh. Meanwhile, the Jackals' leadoff batters reached in the seventh and eighth, but each time Knoff was able to escape the jam unscathed.

After New Jersey took the lead in the top of the ninth, Jackals' closer Romas Hicks retired the Worcester side in order in the bottom of the frame to notch his league-leading 14th save of the season.

In his fifth start for the Tornadoes, Knoff worked into the eighth inning for the first time this season but did not factor in the decision after allowing five runs on seven hits in eight frames. Lobban went five innings and surrendered five runs on 11 hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Neither starter factored in the decision with Rodriguez (4-3) earning the win and McDonald (1-4) absorbing the loss in relief.

The Jackals (9-9 second half, 28-36 overall) and Tornadoes (9-9, 28-37) continue their three-game series on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. While the Jackals haven't announced their starting pitcher, Worcester will send right-hander Chris Farley (6-6, 5.38) to the mound. Cody Chrusciel has the live call on the Jackals webcast beginning 10 minutes prior to first pitch at www.jackals.com.

The New Jersey Jackals, proud members of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, play their home games at Yogi Berra Stadium located on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, NJ. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.

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