Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rios launches walk-off blast in Rox victory

Published on August 31, 2008 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


Brockton, MA (August 31, 2008) - The month of August came to an end in dramatic fashion for Rox fans as third baseman Eduardo Rios blasted a walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat the New Jersey Jackals 3-2 on Sunday night. The Rox finish the 2008 season on Monday night at 6:05 PM at Campanelli Stadium.

The Jackals tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning on an RBI single by CF Zack Smithlin. It was Smithlin's second run batted in of the night, and came against Rox closer RHP Jerry Dunn with two outs. It was just Dunn's fourth blown save of the season.

Similar to Smithlin's performance for New Jersey, the Rox would have been lost without 2B Eugene Julien who drove in the first two Rox runs of the game. Julien put Brockton on top 1-0 with a two-out RBI single in the second inning to score LF Jud Thigpen. In a 1-1 tie in the seventh, Julien again gave the Rox the lead with a sacrifice fly; again plating Thigpen.

RHP Mike Smith did not figure in the decision but yielded just one run on six hits over seven innings of work. He struck out five and walked one. RHP Matt Zachary pitched a scoreless eighth inning before handing the ball to Dunn for the ninth. The offense picked up Dunn and gave him his second win of the season, improving his record to 2-4. He has 24 saves in 28 chances this season.

The Rox and Jackals complete the 2008 season on Monday night at Campanelli Stadium at 6:05 PM. Brockton has a chance to sweep New Jersey and finish the season at .500. The Rox will start RHP Greg Bunn (1-3, 7.43 ERA), opposite Jackals' LHP Isaac Pavlik (8-6, 3.64 ERA).

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Canadian American League Stories from August 31, 2008


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