Weston, Panezich Lead Sussex To 8-7 Comeback Win

July 12, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Sussex Skyhawks News Release


AUGUSTA, N.J. - *After trailing by seven runs early in the game, Sussex staged a miraculous comeback to pick up an 8-7 win over first-place Quebec on Saturday evening at Skylands Park.

Catcher Cliff Panezich blasted his first home run as a Skyhawk in the bottom of the eighth to complete the dramatic comeback and help Sussex win the final game of the four game series. First baseman Matt Weston drilled two home runs and finished with five RBI to fuel the Sussex rally.

Sussex was down 7-0 by the fourth inning, but the relievers Rick Lawyer, Michael Laluna and Matt Petrusek combined to throw five innings of shutout ball and give the offense a chance to get back in the game. Laluna earned the win and Petrusek picked up the save.

Trailing 7-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Sussex made a game of it when Weston drilled a three run home run to straight away center to make it a 7-4 game in favor of Quebec.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Weston blasted his second home run of the evening, this time a two-run shot, to cut the Quebec lead to 7-6. Chris Brown followed with a walk and then Panezich popped a home run to left field to give the Skyhawks an 8-7 advantage and complete the comeback.

Quebec (31-16) erupted for six runs in the top of the third inning, highlighted by a Greg Stevens three run home run to left field. Quebec starter Michel Simard was cruising early and did not give up a hit until the fifth inning. Neither Simard nor Sussex starter Craig Snipp factored into the decision.

Quebec returns to action Sunday at Ottawa. After a day off Sunday, Sussex returns to Skylands Park on Monday for a 7:05 p.m. game with Nashua.



Canadian American League Stories from July 12, 2008


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