Record Crowd Sees JackHammers Walk off Victory in 12 Innings
Published on June 20, 2010 under Northern League (NL)
Joliet JackHammers News Release
JOLIET, IL - Rafael Mendez's game winning single in the 12th inning Saturday night sent the record crowd of 8,138 at Silver Cross Field home happy with a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The JackHammers smashed the previous attendance mark at Silver Cross Field by over 1,000 fans.
Joliet (14-13) started the 12th with two outs against Ian Thomas (4-1). Ryan Basham coaxed a walk and stole second on a 2-2 pitch. That brought the outfield in a few steps and set the scene for Mendez's heroics. The JackHammer catcher lined a ball over the head of Aharon Eggleston, scoring Basham easily for the 3-2 win.
The JackHammers received great pitching performances, highlighted by Rory Shortell's longest outing of the season. Shortell went 7.2 innings allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits with a Joliet season high eight strikeouts.
Griffin Bailey (1-1) picked up the win, tossing the final two frames. William Jackel threw an inning and two-thirds without allowing a hit.
The Goldeyes (16-12) held a 2-0 lead in the seventh when Antony Bello gave way to Ulysses Roque. Kevin Rios led off with a single and Jon Nelson followed with his sixth homer of the year, a line drive over the right centerfield wall to tie the game up at two.
Bello earned a no decision after tossing six scoreless innings, surrendering five hits with five strikeouts.
Winnipeg picked up their lone tallies back in the fifth off Shortell. Jeremy Hamilton walked and moved up to third on a Dee Brown double with nobody out. Brett Wallace grounded a ball underneath Freddie Thon's glove for a 2-0 Goldeye league.
Mendez was the star with two hits and the game winning RBI with Justin Justice contributing two hits.
The JackHammers will go for the sweep tomorrow afternoon on Father's Day at the park. Brian Gartley (1-0) will make the spot start opposite Stephen Flake (2-1). First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. pre-game show on the JackHammers Radio Network.
Loose Gravel - The JackHammers have now won three straight games against Winnipeg - Justin Justice extended his hitting streak to a season high five games - Will County Bowling "Strike Out Batter" participants can enjoy bowling at any one of the Will County Bowling Proprietors. Tonight Riverfront Lanes at 402 S. Water Street in Wilmington is our featured proprietor.
Northern League Stories from June 20, 2010
- McAllister Propels T-Bones to Series Victory - Kansas City Monarchs
- RailCats Drop Series Finale 7-4 to Rockford - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- JackHammers Fall 6-4 to Goldeyes on Father's Day - Joliet JackHammers
- Simon, O'Sullivan Homer as RiverHawks Win, 7-4 - Rockford RiverHawks
- Lake County Wins 2nd Straight over First-Place RedHawks - Lake County Fielders
- Record Crowd Sees JackHammers Walk off Victory in 12 Innings - Joliet JackHammers
- RiverHawks rally to pick up split - Rockford RiverHawks
- RailCats and RiverHawks Split a Pair at Us Steel Yard - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Gehring dominates with eight strong frames - Schaumburg Flyers
- Gehring Leads Flyers to 4-1 Win - Kansas City Monarchs
- Gehring dominates with eight strong frames - Schaumburg Flyers
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