Spirit fall to Jackals, 5-4

August 23, 2005 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
North Shore Spirit News Release


A thrilling ninth-inning rally came up just short for the Spirit on Tuesday night as they fell to the New Jersey Jackals 5-4 at the New Fraser Field.

Spirit starter Bryan Morse took the loss while Josh Brey (8-6) earned the complete-game victory for New Jersey. Morse allowed five runs on nine hits in 6.2 innings of work for just his third loss all season.

This game was a pitchers duel in the early innings, with defensive highlights from both teams. The Spirit drew first blood, however, as Brian Macchi led off the bottom of the fifth with a homerun to right field giving the Spirit a 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately for the Spirit, in the top of the sixth inning the Jackals' offense started to come along too. After leadoff hitter Zach Smithlin hit a double, Benji Gil sent him home with another double to tie the game. Morse managed to get two outs in the inning, but he gave up a hit to Steve Checksfield that scored Gil and gave New Jersey a 2-1 lead.

The Jackals weren't done, however, as they scored three more runs in the seventh inning. Morse gave up two singles and a walk to start the inning. After once again getting two straight outs, he allowed a standup triple to Elvis Coporan that cleared the bases and knocked him from the game. Spirit reliever Jarrett Sues struck out Francisco Lebron for the inning's final out.

After struggling offensively all night long, the Spirit staged a dramatic ninth-inning rally. Vic Davilla singled to get things started and moved to second on a walk to Travis Oglesby. With two on and two out in the inning, Josh Tranum launched a three-run home run pulling the Spirit to within one run of New Jersey. That was as close as they could come in this one, however, as the comeback fell just short.

The Spirit will try to get back on the winning track tomorrow night when the host the Jackals in the second game of the three-game series. Game time is 7:05 at the New Fraser Field.



Canadian American League Stories from August 23, 2005


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