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Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Longball stings Jackals in game one

September 14, 2004 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, NJ – The New Jersey Jackals started off the 2004 Northeast League Championship series on the wrong foot, dropping game one to the North Shore Spirit, 5-4.

The Spirit made sure to get off to a blazing start in the top of the first. Against Aaron Myers, Joe Hastings hit a two-run bomb to dead center, putting North Shore ahead 2-0.

In the bottom half of the first, Wilton Veras singled, scoring Craig Conway, as the Jackals began their comeback.

In the second, Conway doubled for an RBI, and Kevin Grijak grounded out, allowing Zack Smithlin to score. Through two, the Jackals led 3-2.

Neither team would score again till the top of the sixth. Travis Oglesby cranked a moonshot to left field, that tied up the game at three.

Homeruns once again plagued the Jackals in the top of the eighth. Hastings and Oglesby each hit their second homerun of the ballgame, back to back, making it 5-3 Spirit.

New Jersey mounted another comeback in the bottom of the eighth. Chris Rowan singled scoring one, but the Jackals would strand the bases loaded, after one and two out opportunities to tie the ballgame.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Jackals had a chance to tie the ballgame, with runners at the corners with two outs, but Chris Rowan struck out to close out the ballgame.

Aaron Myers lasted seven and one third innings, while surrendering five earned runs. He gave up six hits, but four of them were homeruns. He struck out an amazing 14 batters. He suffered the loss, via the long ball.

Klae Calvert won the game for the Spirit, pitching seven strong innings, scattering eleven hits, while surrendering four earned runs. Calvert struck out six while walking none. Edison Reynoso picked up the save, striking out four batters in two innings of work.

The Northeast League Championship Series continues on Wednesday, September 15, 2004, at Yogi Berra Stadium, with a 7:05 p.m. start. For tickets, please call the Jackals Ticket Office at (973) 746-7434, or visit www.jackals.com

The Northeast League announced its 2004 Postseason All-Star Team, Tuesday, September 7, 2004. Three members of the Jackals were selected by the managers, media, and other league officials. The League also announced its manager of the year, and Jackals' skipper Joe Calfapietra received the prestigious honor.

Shortstop Chris Rowan was selected to the team. In his second season in the Northeast League, it was his first All-Star Selection. In 2004, Rowan batted .268, with 23 homeruns, and 63 RBI. His 23 homeruns were tied for the league lead with Bangor's Derry Hammond.

Mid-season All-Star Wilton Veras was also selected to the postseason squad. Veras won the batting title of the Northeast League with a .369 average, along with five homeruns and 59 RBI. He also tallied 29 doubles. Veras was then named the 2004 Northeast League Player of the Year on Monday, September 13, 2004.

Wady Almonte, who was also selected to play in the midsummer classic, was named a member of the season ending team. Almonte batted .327 in 86 games, with nine homeruns, 64 RBI, and 29 doubles.

Manager Joe Calfapietra received this second Manager of the Year Award. Calfapietra was the recipient of the award in 2002, while managing the Gary Railcats of the Northern League. The Railcats were an expansion traveling team that Calfapietra guided to a 35-55 record.

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