Sussex RHP Daniel Berlind went four innings, allowing two runs. RHP Justin Dignelli came in for the fifth and surrendered two runs to make it 4-1, one on a homerun by New Jersey DH Shawn Riggans. New Jersey’s starter, LHP Ryan Lobban, allowed just one run through five innings but was charged with two more in the sixth during an extra third of an inning of work. Nonetheless, he was still in line for the win after six.

In the seventh inning, however, Loadenthal homered off of RHP Mike Pontius to tie the game at four. It was an interesting day for him already at that point, having made an error in the top of the first on a fly ball to go along with his triple and solo shot. But in the ninth he cemented himself as the game’s hero, singling into the left-centerfield gap off of New Jersey RHP Edward Rodriguez to drive in the game-winning run.

Sunday was the first walk-off win of the season for the Skyhawks. They continue their seven-game homestand on Monday at CenturyLink Field at Skylands Park when the Brockton Rox visit Sussex County for the start of a three-game set. Veterans and active duty military receive free tickets to the game on Monday afternoon, which is scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. RHP Freddy Flores of Brockton and RHP Tim Stringer of Sussex are the probable starters.

We’re constantly adding new events and promotions to our schedule, so visit our website at www.sussexskyhawks.com for updates. For more information about promotions listed above or to reserve tickets, contact the Skyhawks’ office at 973-300-1000.

RHP Mike McGuire started the game for the home team on his 24th birthday. He got off to a rocky start, surrendering a three-run homerun to DH Shawn Riggans of New Jersey in the first. Riggans, the Can-Am leader in RBI at game’s end with six, had another strong game at the plate, going 3 for 4 with those 3 RBI.

From there on, however, Sussex took over. McGuire settled down, and SS Joe Persichina hit a two-run homer in the second to draw the Skyhawks within one. By the bottom of the sixth, the home team was up 5-3. CF Carl Loadenthal poked a double down the left field line with the bases loaded in that half-inning for his first hit of the season, driving in two, and 1B Kris Sanchez followed up with a two-RBI single to make it 9-3 Sussex. The Jackals came back to score two runs off of RHP Kevin Gunter in the seventh and then had RHP Jared Yecker on the ropes in the ninth with the bases loaded and one out, but RHP Duaner Sanchez came in and retired the next two batters on four pitches to earn his second save of the series. Mike McGuire took home the win, and RHP Nick Asselin of New Jersey was tagged with the loss.

Sunday afternoon, the Skyhawks will look to earn their first series win of the season. New Jersey LHP Ryan Lobban and Sussex RHP Daniel Berlind are the probable starters. Senior citizens will receive a $2 discount off each ticket and can eat for free by presenting a coupon from the New Jersey Herald.

We’re constantly adding new events and promotions to our schedule, so visit our website at www.sussexskyhawks.com for updates. For more information about promotions listed above or to reserve tickets, contact the Skyhawks’ office at 973-300-1000.

@ Nashua, NH. Time: 2:26 Attendance: 998

W: Wayne Lundgren (5-4) L: Miguel Flores (3-1) S: None

HR: BR-Melvin Falu (3), Palmer Karr (11), Clyde Williams (9)

The Brockton Rox got a great outing from starting pitcher Wayne Lundgren and plenty of offensive support to roll to an easy win against New Hampshire on the road. With the win, Brockton extended its winning streak to 10 games. Lundgren allowed six hits and struck out six in a complete game shutout to earn the win and improve to 5-4 on the season. The Rox offense posted five runs in the first inning and never looked back. Brockton 1B Clyde Williams, DH Palmer Karr and 2B Melvin Falu all hit home runs and combined to drive in seven of the Rox 10 runs. Brockton SS Dom Ramos led all hitters, going 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

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Worcester 6, New Jersey 1

@ Worcester, MA. Time: 2:46 Attendance: 1,911
W: Ryan Lobban (5-3) L: Giuseppe Granitto (0-2) S: Santiago Ramirez (3)

HR: WT-Chris Colabello (4)

Worcester 1B Chris Colabello was a one-man wrecking crew as he went 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run, two runs scored and three RBI to lead the Tornadoes to a 6-1 victory. That turned out to be more than enough support for Worcester starting pitcher Ryan Lobban who allowed two hits in seven shutout innings to earn the win and improve to 5-3 in the process. Tornadoes reliever Santiago Ramirez came on to record the game’s final out and in doing so earned his third save.

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Quebec 6, Sussex 5

@ Quebec City, QC. Time: 2:47 Attendance: 3,918

W: Eric Gagne (2-2) L: Kyle Ruwe (4-3) S: Jason Schutt (6)
HR: SS-Raymond Serrano (4)

After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first inning, the Quebec Capitales scored four times in the bottom of the frame to take a 4-1 lead and never looked back en route to the win. Quebec starting pitcher Eric Gagne picked up his second win of the season. He allowed four earned runs on seven hits while striking out five in seven innings of work. Capitales DH Tony Lewis led the way at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Quebec reliever Jason Schutt closed out the win with a scoreless ninth to earn his sixth save.

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FIRST HALF STANDINGS

W   L    GB

New Jersey                       27  17    –

Brockton                         24  19   2.5

Quebec                           21  23   6.0

Worcester                        20  23   6.5

New Hampshire                    20  24   7.0

Sussex                           19  25   8.0

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Tomorrow’s Schedule (All times are Eastern):

New Jersey at Worcester – 11:05 AM

Brockton at New Hampshire – 6:35 PM

Sussex at Quebec – 7:05 PM

Wideman (4-0), the June Can-Am League pitcher of the month, struck out four batters while walking one as he earned the win to stay perfect this season. The Tornadoes lone run against Wideman didn’t come until the bottom of the eighth inning when right fielder Carlos Sosa hit a leadoff home run to right field.

After being held scoreless over their previous 19 innings, the Jackals opened up the scoring in the top of the first inning against Worcester southpaw Ryan Lobban. After second baseman Marcus Sanders led off with a single, left fielder Ryan Rogowski ripped his third home run of the season to right field to give New Jersey an early 2-0 advantage. The home run for Rogowski was his third of the season.

In the top of the third, New Jersey added two more runs to take a 4-0 lead. Shortstop Mike DeJesus began the frame with a single before a ground ball off the bat of right fielder Myron Leslie snuck through the legs of Worcester second baseman Jeff LaHair to put runners on first and third with no outs. Tejeda followed by lining a ball off the base of the left-center field wall to plate DeJesus and Leslie.

In the fifth inning, the Jackals struck again to extend their lead to 5-0. In similar fashion to the third inning, DeJesus led off with a single and Leslie reached on a throwing error by Tornadoes’ shortstop Garrett Olson before Tejeda lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to plate DeJesus.

Lobban (4-2), a Ramsey, NJ native who defeated the Jackals on June 26 at Yogi Berra Stadium, took the loss after allowing five runs – three earned – on eight hits with four strikeouts and no walks in five innings. Worcester relievers Nick Conway, Albert Ayala, and Chris Anderson combined to toss four scoreless frames.

With the win, the Jackals improve to 23-12 and hold a 6 ½ game lead over the rest of the Can-Am League with 12 games remaining in the first half. With the loss, the Tornadoes fall to 16-17.

The Jackals and Tornadoes conclude their three-game weekend series on Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. at Hanover Insurance Park when New Jersey sends right-hander Ted Serro (4-1, 4.42 ERA) to the mound against Worcester righty Alex Pena (2-3, 5.91 ERA). Cody Chrusciel has the call with the live webcast beginning 10 minutes prior to first pitch at www.jackals.com.

The New Jersey Jackals, proud members of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, play their home games at Yogi Berra Stadium located on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, NJ. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.

@ Nashua, NH.   Time: 2:36  Attendance: 1,456

W: Adam Piechowski (1-0) L: Sandy Nin (1-3) S: Juan Padilla (11)

HR: NH- Jabe Bergeron (1); SSX- Ray Serrano (1) John Urick (4)

New Hampshire was out hit 12-7 by Sussex but the American Defenders scored a run for each hit and went on to defeat the Skyhawks 7-5. In a back and forth contest that saw three lead changes and two ties it was a homerun by DH Jabe Bergeron in the bottom of the seventh inning that put New Hampshire ahead for good. Defenders CF Edward Ovalle sparked the New Hampshire offense as he went 2-for-2 with a stolen base, RBI, and two runs scored. C Ray Serrano homered for Sussex as part of a three-hit game and LF Ryan Crespi finished 3-for-5 with a run scored and a RBI for the Skyhawks.

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New Jersey 5, Worcester 1

@ Worcester, MA.  Time: 2:15  Attendance: 1,171

W: AJ Wideman (4-0) L: Ryan Lobban (4-2) S: None

HR: NJ- Ryan Rogowski (3); WOR– Carlos Sosa (3)

LF Ryan Rogowski homered for the third time this season and 1B Juan Tejeda was a perfect 3-for-3 from the plate with three RBI to lead New Jersey to a 5-1 win over Worcester. SS Mike DeJesus chipped in two hits and scored two runs and DH Quentin Davis went 2-for-4 as well to power the Jackals attack. New Jersey starter AJ Wideman was in command for eight innings as he struck out six and allowed just one earned run on four hits to improve his record to 4-0.

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Brockton vs. Quebec   (Postponed – Rain)

@ Quebec City, QC.

The scheduled game between Brockton and Quebec was postponed due to rain. It will be played Sunday July 5^th as part of a doubleheader beginning at 1:05PM. Both games will be scheduled for seven innings.

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FIRST HALF STANDINGS

W   L    GB

New Jersey                       23  12    –

Quebec                           17  17   5.5

New Hampshire                    17  18   6.0

Worcester                        16  17   6.0

Brockton                         14  18   7.5

Sussex                           15  20   8.0

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Tomorrow’s Schedule (All times are Eastern):

Brockton at Quebec – [DH] 1:05 PM

New Jersey at Worcester – 2:05 PM

Sussex at New Hampshire – 5:05 PM

With one out in the ninth and reliever Seth Overbey on the mound for New Jersey, Leonard singled through the right side before advancing to second on a walk by left fielder Mike MacMillan. The next batter, LaHair, ripped a single just inside third base down the line into the Tornadoes’ bullpen as Leonard came plateward with the game-winning run.

After the game’s first pitch was delayed 2 hours, 9 minutes because of rain in the Worcester area, Jackals’ starter Giuseppe Granitto and Tornadoes’ starter Chris Farley each proceeded to hurl seven shutout innings. However, neither starter factored in the decision. In his third career start, Granitto allowed three hits with one walk and five strikeouts while Farley surrendered three hits, walked three batters, and struck out seven.

Overbey (2-2) took the loss while Tornadoes’ reliever Santiago Ramirez (3-1) tossed a scoreless tenth inning to earn the win. For the Jackals, right-hander Romas Hicks contributed two scoreless frames out of the bullpen.

The Jackals and Tornadoes continue their three-game weekend series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. when New Jersey sends left-hander A.J. Wideman (3-0, 2.84 ERA) to the mound against Worcester left-hander Ryan Lobban (4-1, 2.97 ERA). Cody Chrusciel has the call with the live webcast beginning 10 minutes prior to first pitch at www.jackals.com.

The New Jersey Jackals, proud members of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, play their home games at Yogi Berra Stadium located on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, NJ. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.

@ Quebec City, QC.  Time: 3:41  Attendance: 2,312

W: Derek McDaid (1-0) L: Seth Overbey (1-1) S: Jason Schutt (3)

HR: NJ- Matt Lauderdale (1), Juan Tejeda (2)

Quebec and New Jersey battled in a see-saw affair that saw the teams put up 10 runs in the final three innings and the Capitales on the winning end of an 11-10 score. Trailing 7-5 in the bottom of the seventh inning Quebec used three singles and two walks to generate four runs and grab a 9-7 advantage. The Jackals came right back with three runs in the top of the eighth and led 10-9. But the Capitales strung together three more hits in their turn at the plate and RF Alex Nunez’s double drove in two for the final runs of the contest. Neither starter factored in the decision. When Quebec closer Jason Schutt got the final out, the tying run was on third base.

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Worcester 17, Sussex 5

@ Worcester, MA.  Time: 3:01  Attendance: 1,022

W: Ryan Lobban (1-1) L: Roger Lincoln (1-1) S: None

HR: WOR- Garrett Olson 2(2), Chris Colabello (2); SUS- Ron Perodin (2)

SS Garrett Olson had a huge game as he homered twice, drove in four, and scored three times to lead Worcester past Sussex 17-5. RF Carlos Sosa and DH Mike Leonard were a lethal one-two punch as they combined for six hits and seven RBI while Tornadoes 3B Chris Colabello also homered and drove in two. Worcester tallied 17 hits in the game. Tornadoes starter Ryan Lobban improved to 1-1 by tossing six solid innings in which he allowed seven hits and two earned runs. In addition to their high hit total the Tornadoes also drew six walks.

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New Hampshire vs Brockton   (Postponed – Rain)

@ Brockton, MA

The scheduled game between New Hampshire and Brockton was postponed due to rain. The game will be played as part of a doubleheader on June 25^th in Brockton. Both games will be scheduled for seven innings.

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FIRST HALF STANDINGS

W   L    GB

Brockton                          7   4    –

Sussex                            7   5   0.5

Worcester                         7   5   0.5

Quebec                            6   6   1.5

New Hampshire                     4   7   3.0

New Jersey                        4   8   3.5

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Tomorrow’s Schedule (All times are Eastern):

Brockton at New Hampshire – 6:35 PM

New Jersey at Quebec – 7:05 PM

Sussex at Worcester – 7:05 PM

Sussex Skyhawks starter Kyle Ruwe (no decision) pitched seven strong innings giving up one earned run and five hits.  Skyhawks closer Matt Petrusek gave up the winning hit in the top of the ninth to earn the loss.

The Skyhawks got sacrifice flies in back to back innings from Ryan Crespi in the first, and David Adamchick off Tornadoes starter Matt Weagle in the second.

Worcester and Sussex return to action at Skylands Park on Wednesday morning at 10:05 for Game Three of the three game series.

@ Augusta, N.J.                  Time: 2:34

W: Conway            L: Petrusek             SV: Sullivan

HR: None

Tuesday’s Probable Starters:

WOR: R. Lobban

SSX:  R. Lincoln

@ Quebec City, QC.  Time: 2:09

W: Alex Pena (1-0) L: Orlando Trias (0-1) S: None

HR: QBC- Pierre-Luc LaForest (2), Eddie Lantigua (1)

In the first game of a doubleheader Worcester broke out to an early 5-1 lead in the first three innings and cruised to an 8-3 victory.  Tornadoes starter Alex Pena gave his team six solid innings by allowing just five hits and two earned runs to claim his first win of the year. Orlando Trias had a rough outing for the Capitales pitching just 3 1/3 innings and surrendering five earned runs. He dropped to 0-1.  Worcester C Alex Trezza had three hits and scored a run while Tornadoes 1B Mike MacMillan went 2-for-3 with a RBI and two runs scored.

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Quebec 6, Worcester 3 (Game 2 – 7 Innings)

@ Quebec City, QC.  Time: 2:15  Attendance: 2,258

W: Dan Sausville (1-0) L: Ryan Lobban (1-0) S: None

HR: QBC- Issael Gonzalez (1), Eddie Lantigua (2)

In game two, Quebec DH Eddie Lantigua homered again and LF Issael Gonzalez hit a three run bomb to power the Capitales to a 6-3 victory. Goef Tomlinson chipped in with a 2-for-4 night at the plate and starter Dan Sausville Lobban went four innings and picked up the win for Quebec. SS Omar Pena led the Tornadoes offense going 3-for-3 with two RBI.

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New Hampshire 4, New Jersey 2 (Game 1)

@ Nashua, NH.  Time: 1:58

W: Isaac Burkett (1-0) L: Ted Serro (0-1) S: Juan Padilla (1)

HR: NH- Clyde Williams (1)

1B Clyde Williams homered as part of a 2-for-3 performance to lead the American Defenders of New Hampshire past New Jersey 4-2 in the first game of a doubleheader. 2B Boomer Berry had two hits and scored a run to help the New Hampshire offense and starter Isaac Burkett struck out nine in six innings to move to 1-0 on the season. Ted Serro pitched five innings for the Jackals allowing three earned runs off eight hits and two walks to fall to 0-1.

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New Jersey 10, New Hampshire 6 (Game 2)

@ Nashua, NH.  Time: 2:36  Attendance: 1,312

W: AJ Wideman (1-0)  L: Brett Palanski (0-1)  S: Seth Overbey (1)

HR: NJ- Myron Leslie (1); NH- Chris Weakley (1)

In game two, the New Jersey offense came alive as the Jackals scored nine times in four innings to get the split by a final of 10-6. New Jersey starter AJ Wideman took advantage of the good run support and picked up the win to move to 1-0 on the year. Brett Palanski lasted just three innings for New Hampshire and gave up six earned runs to fall to 0-1. Seth Overbey pitched a scoreless inning to pick up the save. Jackals 3B Myron Leslie homered, drove in two, and scored twice.

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Sussex 7, Brockton 2

@ Brockton, MA.  Time: 2:55  Attendance: 2,712

W: Justin Knoff (1-0) L: Steve Delabar (0-1) S: None

HR: None

Three was the number of the night for Sussex as they moved to 3-0 thanks to triples from three different players. Skyhawks CF Ron Perodin, 2B Mark Pappas, and C Ray Serrano, each collected a three-bagger. Serrano’s did the most damage as it plated two runs in a four run fourth inning.  Justin Knoff pitched well for Sussex and earned the win as he allowed just two runs on three hits in six innings. Steve Delabar took the loss for Brockton to fall to 0-1.

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FIRST HALF STANDINGS

W   L   GB

Sussex                     3   0   –

New Jersey                 2   1   1.0

Quebec                     2   1   1.0

New Hampshire              1   2   2.0

Worcester                  1   2   2.0

Brockton                   0   3   3.0

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Tomorrow’s Schedule (All times are Eastern):

Worcester at Quebec – 1:05 PM

Sussex at Brockton – 1:05 PM

New Jersey at New Hampshire – 5:05 PM

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Ruwe is in his second season with the Skyhawks. The Sunrise, FL resident went 12-5 last year with a 4.67 ERA in 129 innings pitched. Lundgren was 11-3 with Brockton last season with a 3.28 ERA in 20 starts. He struck out 85 batters while walking only 25 in 137 1/3 innings pitched.

The rest of the opening weekend schedule has the Worcester Tornadoes taking on the Quebec Capitales while the American Defenders of New Hampshire play host to the New Jersey Jackals.

Opening Weekend Schedule:

Thursday, May 28
New Jersey (Isaac Pavlik) at New Hampshire (Mark Romanczuk) – 6:35 PM
Worcester (Matt Weagle) at Quebec (Michel Simard) – 7:05 PM
Sussex (Kyle Ruwe) at Brockton (Wayne Lundgren) – 7:05 PM

Friday, May 29
New Jersey (Ted Serro) at New Hampshire (Isaac Burkett) – 6:35 PM
Worcester (Alex Pena) at Quebec (Orlando Trias) – 7:05 PM
Sussex (Roger Lincoln) at Brockton (Stevie Delabar) – 7:05 PM

Saturday, May 30
Sussex (Justin Knoff) at Brockton (John Kelly) – 6:05 PM
New Jersey (AJ Wideman) at New Hampshire (Brett Palanski) – 6:35 PM
Worcester (Ryan Lobban) at Quebec (Karl Gelinas) – 7:05 PM

Sunday, May 31
Sussex (TJ Stanton) at Brockton (Jeff Long) – 1:05 PM
Worcester (Ryan Mitchell) at Quebec (Chris Allen) – 1:05 PM
New Jersey (Michael Vicaro) at New Hampshire (Nick Asselin) – 5:05 PM