Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Spirit pick off win from Jackals

Published on July 20, 2006 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, NJ The New Jersey Jackals made one too many mistakes on the basepaths, and the North Shore Spirit took advantage of the Jackals' missed opportunities, winning 3-2 in 10 innings.

While the Jackals managed 11 hits in the game to the Spirit's 6, they simply could not capitalize and turn those hits into runs. The battle began as a classic pitchers' duel, with staff ace RHP Joel Bennett mowing down the Spirit lineup, and LHP Bryan Morse refusing to back down from the Jackals' batters. Bennett went 8 innings strong, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits, with his one mistake pitch being blasted out of the park by Spirit SS Chris Rowan for a 2-run homerun. He struck out 10 while walking 2, and was a non-factor in the decision. Morse, also getting a no-decision, went toe-to-toe with Bennett through 8 innings. He gave up 2 runs on 6 hits, striking out 4 while hitting 1 batter.

The Jackals got on the board first, as C Clay Kuklick scored on a groundball fielder's choice hit by RF Jason Tuttle in the 3rd inning. Then, in the 4th, Bill Peavey smacked a 2-out double down the 3rd base line, and 2B Joe Mihalics knocked him in with a base hit to left field, giving the Jackals a 2-0 lead. Rowan's moonshot of a homer would tie the game in the 7th, and the regulation 9 innings would not be enough to finish this one.

In the top of the 10th, Jackals RHP Adam Nikolic (2-1) would issue a leadoff walk to C Alex Trezza, 1 of 3 walks given up in the inning by Nikolic. A bunt by 2B Ryan Bethel advanced Trezza to 2nd, and LF Garrett Weir singled to RF to bring home the winning run for the Spirit, with Nikolic taking the loss for the Jackals. Spirit RHP Kevin Fitzgerald came in to pitch the bottom of the 10th, earning his 11th save of the season. RHP Dennis Robinson (3-4) earned the win for the Spirit, pitching 1 inning and allowing 3 hits while striking out 2.

The Jackals had several chances to put this one away, but could not push any more runs across. In the 1st inning, with Tuttle on 3rd base and CF Zack Smithlin on 2nd with none out after a successful double steal, 3B Wilton Veras flew out to right field. A pinpoint throw to the plate by Spirit RF Andrew Wishy held Tuttle at 3rd, but Smithlin took off from 2nd, unaware of Tuttle being kept at 3rd. With Smithlin caught in a rundown between the bases, Tuttle hesitated, and then took off for home. However, as soon as Tuttle broke for the plate, the tag was applied to Smithlin by Bethel, who then immediately fired home, nailing Tuttle for the rarest of rare triple plays.

Then, in the bottom of the 9th, with the game tied at 2, Smithlin stood on 3rd base with nobody out after a Veras single. Robinson, feeling the game slip away from the Spirit, turned and made a beautiful pickoff move to 3rd, nabbing Smithlin and effectively slamming the door shut on the Jackals.

The two teams prepare for another tough day at the plate tomorrow at Yogi Berra Stadium, as the Jackals send out all star LHP Isaac "Pitbull" Pavlik (6 1, 2.34 ERA), and the Spirit starting RHP Ryan Bicondoa (5-0, 1.46 ERA).

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Canadian American League Stories from July 20, 2006


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