Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Pavlik Pitches Well, But Surf Walk Off With Win

July 6, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Atlantic City, NJ - New Jersey Jackals starter Isaac Pavlik matched Atlantic City's Adam Cox pitch for pitch, but the Surf defeated the Jackals 2-1 on a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth by CF Billy Kovatch on Sunday night at Bernie Robbins Stadium.

The Jackals jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning against Cox when 1B Juan Tejeda walked and 3B Chris Kelly laced a hit-and-run single to put runners on the corners with no outs. DH Vic Davilla then followed with an RBI single to break the scoreless tie.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Surf tied the score at 1-1. DH Eddie Kim and Kovatch began the inning with back-to-back singles. Two batters later, 2B Brad Thoma reached on a fielders choice to put men on first and third with one out. The next batter, LF Joe Burke struck out, but Jackals catcher Matt Lauderdale couldn't handle the sharp breaking ball in the dirt which got to the backstop, allowing Kim to cross the plate with the tying run on the wild pitch.

That score held until the ninth when Jackals closer Rusty Tucker entered and struck out Surf 1B Clyde Williams for the first out. 3B Gil Zayas then singled and was pinch run for by Carter McQuigg. After a walk by Kim placed runners on first and second, Kovatch ripped a single through the left side of the infield and McQuigg slid into home ahead of the tag to seal the victory and earn the Surf the split in the four-game series.

Pavlik and Cox each hurled eight solid innings and allowed one run on five hits, but neither factored in the decision. Pavlik walked three batters and struck out six, while Cox allowed three free passes and fanned eleven hitters. Atlantic City's Kyle George (3-1) pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn the win. For New Jersey, Tucker (2-2) blew his fourth save of the season as he allowed the game winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Earlier in the day, the first place Quebec Capitales defeated the Ottawa Rapidz to end New Jersey's bid for the Can-Am League first half title. With five games remaining in the first half of the season, the Capitales remain 3.5 games ahead of the second place Worcester Tornadoes.

The Jackals enjoy Monday and Tuesday off, but return home to Yogi Berra Stadium on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. to wrap up the first half as New Jersey begins a four-game series against the Brockton Rox. If you can't make it out to the ballpark, you can catch every inning via live webcast at www.jackals.com with the broadcast beginning five minutes prior to first pitch.

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Canadian American League Stories from July 6, 2008


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