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Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rox Make It Eight Straight, Top Jackals 12-7

July 15, 2011 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


(Little Falls, N.J. - July 14, 2011) - At a ballpark where the number eight is well represented due to it's namesake Yogi Berra, the Brockton Rox (25-19) notched a season best eighth straight win over the New Jersey Jackals (26-19) 12-7 in the final series opener of the first half.

Chris Valencia was the driving force at the top of the order for the Rox. He sparked a three run rally in the first frame with a game-opening single as part of a 3-for-5 performance, while scoring twice and knocking in a season high four runs. Valencia finished the night a home run shy of the cycle.

The Brockton offense jumped all over James Leverton (6-3), scoring six runs in the first two innings to beat the back-to-back Can-Am League Pitcher of the Week.

Two errors hurt Leverton (6.0 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 5 ER,3 BB, 2 K) in the first frame as the Rox snapped the lefthander's 19 and 2/3 scoreless inning streak. Brockton kept the pressure on in the second, scoring three more times on a sacrifice fly from Valencia and back-to-back two-out hits from Keith Brachold and Trey Hernandez.

Mike Smith (5-4) pitched in and out of situations with men on base through six innings on the way to a quality start and his team leading fifth win of the season. Smith avoided damage in every frame except for a two-run fifth inning, including stranding the bases loaded in the sixth.

The Rox expanded the lead to 11-2, plating four in the top of the seventh against reliever Jeremy Hunt. Hunt gave up three straight two-out hits to Mike Torres, Dominic Ramos and Valencia as Brockton batted around.

The Jackals made things interesting in the final few frames, taking advantage of the Brockton bullpen. Dan Schmidt and Brad Hertzler gave up a combined five runs (four earned) on seven hits in an inning and a 1/3 as New Jersey closed the gap to four.

Newcomer Steven Richard entered with one out in the eighth and settled things down, finishing out the game with an inning and 2/3 of scoreless work and nailing down the victory for Brockton.

The Rox are now within one half game of the Jackals for second place in the Can-Am League standings. Game two will feature a duel of two lefties, with Dustin Birosak (4-0, 1.69 ERA) taking on Jon Kibler (0-1, 6.30). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. with the teams scheduled to finish out the first half in a series finale at 6:35 p.m. Saturday.

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