BROCKTON, MA – (May 31, 2009) – Facing the prospect of being swept at home in a season-opening four game series, the Brockton Rox received an outstanding pitching performance by RHP Jeff Long and three home runs from the offense for an 8-3 win on Sunday.  Long won in his Rox debut, lasting six innings and allowing two runs on four hits.

Meanwhile, the Brockton offense was pounding out eight runs on 11 hits, propelled by three home runs.  RF Jud Thigpen started the show of force with a solo home run in the second inning to tie the game.  It was his second of the season.  The Rox added two more runs in the inning and took a 3-1 lead into the fourth.  With two outs in the fourth inning, and a run already in, 2B Melvin Falu hit a towering fly into the left-field bullpen, a three-run shot that put Brockton out in front 7-1.

Sussex picked up an unearned run in the sixth inning on an RBI single by RF Jorge Moreno, but DH Palmer Karr answered back in the seventh inning with a solo home run.  It was Karr’s first home run with the team.

LHP Fraser Robinson appeared for the second time in relief for the Rox and earned his first professional save.  He worked three innings, surrendering one run on four hits while striking out three.

Brockton heads to New Hampshire on Monday night to start a three-game series with the American Defenders of New Hampshire.  Monday’s game is scheduled to begin at 6:35 PM.  LHP Craig Anderson will make his first appearance in a Rox uniform since 2004 when he was 4-2 with a 3.67 ERA.

The series comes back to Brockton on Tuesday and Wednesday night.  For tickets call the Rox Ticket Office at (508) 559-7070 or visit the team online at www.brocktonrox.com.