AUGUSTA, N.J. – The Sussex Skyhawks fell behind early on seven Quebec Capitales runs in the first inning, but rallied as they won 17-16 Thursday night at Skylands Park.  Kyle Kmiecik’s game winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth won it for the Skyhawks.

Alex Smith made his first start of the season for the Skyhawks, but ran into immediate difficulties as the Capitales jumped on him for four hits and seven earned runs as he was pulled in the first and replaced by James Douglas who completed the inning, but gave up a hit which scored two of Smith’s runners.

However, the Skyhawks battled back in the bottom of the first on a three-run home run by designated hitter Jorge Moreno.  Then in the third inning, the Skyhawks picked up eight runs on nine hits as they sent up twelve batters.  The Capitales evened it up in the top of the fourth with three runs, but the Skyhawks regained the lead in bottom of the fourth as the put five up on the board including a three RBI double by Maikel Jova.

In the top of the ninth, the Capitales’ Patrick D’Aoust’s base hit scored two off Skyhawks reliever Sandy Nin to tie the score at 16.  However, in the bottom of the ninth the first two Skyhawks, Jeremy Hunt singles and Ray Cerrano reached base on a fielder’s choice.  Kmiecik lined up to bunt, but brought the bat back and slapped a single to right-centerfield scoring Hunt.

Jorge Morena was 2 for 4 with a home run and Maikel Jova was 3 for 6 with four RBI’s for the Skyhawks.  Greg Stevens was 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBI’s for the Capitales.

The Skyhawks return to action tomorrow night for game two of the four game series against Les Capitales with a special start time at 6:35 with fireworks following the game.

@ Augusta, N.J.      Time:            3:33            Attendance: 1117

W: Nin             L: Schutt              SV:            None

HR: SSX – Moreno (3), QUE – Stevens (3)

Tomorrow’s Probables:

SSX – Lincoln

QUE – Allen