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Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Spirit take a commanding 2-0 lead in NELCS

September 16, 2004 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


Little Falls, NJ – A 15 strikeout performance by Joel Bennett was not enough, as the Spirit prevailed 2-1, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Northeast League Championship Series.

North Shore once again tallied the first run of the ballgame in the top of the first. An RBI triple by Joe Hastings scored Nelson Teilon.

The Jackals made it a 1-1 ballgame in the bottom of the second, on a two-out RBI double by Darren Ciraco.

The longball again aided the North Shore Spirit in regaining the lead, oddly enough for good, in the top of the fourth. Rob Fischer turned on an inside pitch and ripped it over the left field wall, making it 2-1 Spirit.

A pitchers' duel then reigned supreme at the ballpark, but the North Shore Spirit was the difference maker, as they played amazingly down the stretch, while holding the Jackals at bay.

Justin Gordon was the winner in six and one third innings of work, while only surrendering one earned run, on four hits, and four walks, while fanning four.

New Jersey's Joel Bennett pitched a complete game, five hitter, and suffered a more than difficult loss. Bennett only walked one, and struck out fifteen. The Northeast League announced its 2004 Postseason All-Star Team, Tuesday, September 7, 2004. Three members of the Jackals were selected by the managers, media, and other league officials. The League also announced its manager of the year, and Jackals' skipper Joe Calfapietra received the prestigious honor.

Shortstop Chris Rowan was selected to the team. In his second season in the Northeast League, it was his first All-Star Selection. In 2004, Rowan batted .268, with 23 homeruns, and 63 RBI. His 23 homeruns were tied for the league lead with Bangor's Derry Hammond.

Mid-season All-Star Wilton Veras was also selected to the postseason squad. Veras won the batting title of the Northeast League with a .369 average, along with five homeruns and 59 RBI. He also tallied 29 doubles. Veras was then named the 2004 Northeast League Player of the Year on Monday, September 13, 2004.

Wady Almonte, who was also selected to play in the midsummer classic, was named a member of the season ending team. Almonte batted .327 in 86 games, with nine homeruns, 64 RBI, and 29 doubles.

Manager Joe Calfapietra received this second Manager of the Year Award. Calfapietra was the recipient of the award in 2002, while managing the Gary Railcats of the Northern League. The Railcats were an expansion traveling team that Calfapietra guided to a 35-55 record.

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