RailCats sweep JackHammers in doubleheader

Published on May 23, 2004 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release


JOLIET, IL – The Gary SouthShore RailCats (3-1) swept the Joliet JackHammers (1-3) in a doubleheader on Sunday afternoon as 3,646 were in attendance. The RailCats won the first game 7-to-4 in eight innings and the second game 5-to-1. The RailCats also took three of four in this opening series.

The RailCats started the scoring in game one. Curt Lee (3-for-4) laid down a bunt single to lead off the top of the 3rd inning. He advanced when the next batter, Dominic Woody (1-for-2), drew a walk. After a sacrifice bunt advanced both base runners, Anthony Iapoce (1-for-4) laced a RBI single to right field for a 1-to-0 RailCats lead.

For the third consecutive game, the JackHammers rebounded from a deficit. With two outs in the bottom of the 3rd inning, Blake Woods (0-for-1) drew a walk, Josh Loggins (2-for-4) singled to center field and Kevin Roberson (0-for-3) walked. Then, Jason Kinchen (1-for-4) hit a rocket over the right-center field wall for a grand slam home run, his first round-tripper of the season. The JackHammers led 4-to-1.

In the top of the 4th inning, Mike Stoner (1-for-3) doubled to right-center field. Later in the inning with two outs, Stoner scored when Curt Lee's (3-for-4) grounders was mishandled by first baseman Jason Kinchen. The JackHammers lead was 4-to-2.

JackHammers starting RHP Nathan Kent worked six innings and left the game with the JackHammers leading 4-to-2. In the top of the 6th inning, Stoner walked with one out. Then, Michael Brown (1-for-4) connected for a 2-run home run to right field, his first of the season. The JackHammers and RailCats were tied at 4-to-4.

They headed into extra innings. With two outs and Eric Welsh (1-for-4) at first base, JackHammers shortstop Dan Firlit mishandled Michael Brown's grounder leading to runners on first and second bases. Lee followed with a RBI single to left center field, and Dominic Woody delivered a 2-RBI triple down the right field line. The RailCats led 7-to-4. JackHammers relief RHP Doug Young (0-1) endured the loss...2.2IP 5H 5R 2ER 1BB 2K. RailCats RHP Benji Miller (1-0) earned the win...1.2IP 1K. RailCats relief RHP Chris Andel earned his second save of the season pitching the 9th inning...1IP 1BB 1K.

In the second game, the RailCats sent eight batters to the plate and four scored in the 3rd inning. Rich Rodrigues (2-for-3) led off with a single. He advanced to third base one out later on Anthony Iapoce's (1-for-3) double. On Juan Tolentino's(0-for-4) fielder's choice grounder, Rodrigues scored. Billy Brown's (0-for-4) grounder went underneath the glove of third baseman Blake Woods to score Iapoce. Eric Welsh (0-for-3) added a RBI on a ground out, and Mike Stoner (2-for-3) delivered a RBI double.

The RailCats lead escalated to 5-to-0 in the top of the 4th inning. Curt Lee (1-for-3) led off with a double, and Rodrigues followed with a RBI single. JackHammers starting RHP Steve Hecker (0-1) took the loss...5IP 6H 5R 1ER 2BB 2K. RailCats starting RHP Daniel Soria (1-0) earned the win...5IP 8H 1R 1ER 2BB 4K.

Jason Kinchen (1-for-2) put the JackHammers on the board in the bottom of the 6th inning with a lead-off home run onto Power Alley beyond the right field wall. It was Kichen's 2nd home run of the day and season. The JackHammers trailed 5-to-1, and that would be the final score.

LOOSE GRAVEL: In the first game, Kinchen's 3rd inning grand slam was the 6th in JackHammers history and the 4th hit at home. This doubleheader was the first in Silver Cross Field history.

The JackHammers continue their seven-game home stand at 7:05 pm on Monday. The 2004 Northern League champion Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks visit Silver Cross Field for the first of a three-game series. RHP J.J. Scheving will start for the RedHawks, and LHP Jodie Kennedy will start for the JackHammers. Monday is a Pepsi Kids Club Night. The Hershey's Swoops mobile tour will be present to hand out samples of their newest chocolate sensation. For tickets, call 815-726-BALL (2255) or visit the Silver Cross Field ticket office.

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Northern League Stories from May 23, 2004


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