Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

[new Jersey] Slayden's Ninth-Inning Homer Not Enough as Jackals Drop Series at Pittsfield

Published on May 28, 2011 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Pittsfield, Mass. - Jeremy Slayden ripped a game-tying home run in the top of the ninth inning for the New Jersey Jackals, but Johnny Welsh lifted a walk-of solo shot in the bottom of the ninth inning to carry the Pittsfield Colonials past New Jersey, 4-3, in the rubber match of a three-game series on Saturday afternoon at Wahconah Park.

With one out in the top of the ninth and reliever Matt Lyons on to pitch, Slayden lined his first home run of the season to right center with one out to even the score at three. Jeff Gogal, who retired the Pittsfield side in order in the eighth, remained on in the bottom of the ninth and surrendered a high fly ball to Welsh that carried out over the short porch in right field.

Both starters pitched well, but neither factored in the decision. New Jersey's Chris Vasami allowed just one run on three hits in five innings, retiring the first eight batters of the game. Pittsfield's Miguel Flores surrendered two runs (one earned) on five hits in 7 2/3 innings. Lyons (1-0) picked up the win while Gogal (0-1) absorbed the loss.

The Jackals, who were unable to score after loading the bases in the second inning, finally broke through to snap the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth. After Slayden walked and shortstop Mike DeJesus singled to begin the frame, Flores mishandled a Chris White sacrifice bunt to load the bases. Second baseman Argenis Reyes then deposted a single into left field to open the scoring before left fielder Leonard Davis lifted a sacrifice fly to give New Jersey a 2-0 lead.

Pittsfield cut into the Jackals' lead in the bottom of the fifth on a solo home run by left fielder Billy Mottram. An inning later, the Colonials took their first lead of the day, 3-2, when New Jersey reliever Steve Fox entered and allowed two runs on three singles.

The Jackals return to the Garden State to take on the Newark Bears on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. After an off-day on Monday, the three-game series will shift to Yogi Berra Stadium on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. In Sunday's series opener, New Jersey sends southpaw A.J. Wideman to the mound against Newark right-hander Eric Eden.

Jackal Bites: After committing six errors over the first two games of the season, New Jersey played errorless defense on Saturday, highlighted by a pair of diving catches by center fielder Chris White... Both of Johnny Welch's hits this season have been home runs.

Check out the New Jersey Jackals Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Canadian American League Stories from May 28, 2011


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.

OurSports Central