New Jersey left-hander Isaac Pavlik (1-1), who did not return to the mound after the one hour, 15 minute delay following the final out of the fifth inning, tossed five shutout frames in his first start of the season to earn the win. The New Jersey native scattered four hits, walked two, and struck out three. Pavlik had appeared in four games out of the Jackals bullpen this season after leading the team with 18 starts in 2009.

The Jackals collected a season-high seven extra-base hits as they built an early 7-0 lead against Brockton starter Logan Williamson. In the first inning, a two-out RBI double to left center by first baseman Jabe Bergeron was followed by a two-run single off the bat of left fielder Jordan Newton to give the Jackals a 3-0 advantage. The Jackals extended their lead to 6-0 in the third when designated hitter Jacob Butler launched a two-run home run to right center before shortstop Mike DeJesus added with a run-scoring double down the left field line.

After the Jackals plated a run in the bottom of the fifth on a Bergeron double and a Newton RBI single to make it 7-0, the skies opened up, forcing the tarp onto the field.

Once the teams returned to action, Brockton put up five runs against reliever Luis Fernandez in the top of the sixth to pull within two at 7-5. Fernandez retired the first two batters he faced before loading the bases on a walk by third baseman Phillip Cuadrado, a single by second baseman Scott Wearne, and a bunt single from shortstop Dominic Ramos. Rookie catcher Dan Coury laced his second double of the contest to cut the Brockton deficit to 7-2. Two batters later, right fielder Keith Brachold continued his hot hitting in the series when he tripled to center with the bases loaded before Fernandez escaped the jam by retiring first baseman Melvin Falu to preserve the two-run Jackals’ lead.

In the top of the ninth, Brockton used a Falu walk and a single by left fielder Mike Conroy to put the tying run on base with one out, but Jackals closer Romas Hicks induced a game-ending double play off the bat of Cuadrado to seal the win. Hicks has saved all five of New Jersey’s victories this season.

In the win, New Jersey’s Dan Griffin and Mike Pontius each chipped in a scoreless inning of relief. The loss went to Williamson (0-1), who surrendered seven runs on nine hits in five innings of work. Offensively, Newton went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs for the second straight contest to finish the series 8-for-16 with seven RBIs.

The Jackals enjoy their first day off this season on Monday before beginning a three-game series against the Pittsfield Colonials on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m at Yogi Berra Stadium. The game-one pitching matchup will feature a rematch of last Wednesday’s contest as New Jersey sends left-hander A.J. Wideman (1-1, 3.37 ERA) to the mound on his 25^th birthday against Pittsfield southpaw and former Jackal Dave Qualben (0-1, 2.46 ERA). Pittsfield took two of three from New Jersey earlier this week in Massachusetts. Cody Chrusciel has the live call on the Jackals webcast beginning 10 minutes prior to first pitch at www.jackals.com.

Jackal Bites: Pavlik earned his 36^th career win in a Jackals uniform, moving him within one of tying Aaron Myers for the second-most in team history…  With runners on second and third in the second inning, a diving Argenis Reyes snagged a liner off the bat of Brockton center fielder Chris Valencia to end the inning and keep the Rox off the scoreboard… The Jackals did not commit an error in the four-game series against Brockton. They lead the league in fielding percentage and have committed a league-low seven errors in 11 contests… Brachold drove in seven runs in the series for Brockton… The Rox are now 0-6 when their opponent scores the game’s first run… Brockton’s six losses have been by a total of just eight runs while New Jersey’s five wins have come by seven runs.

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. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.

The game’s first three innings were scoreless as both starting pitchers, Brockton RHP Freddy Flores and New Jersey RHP Chris Allen, started the game strong. The Jackals (4-6) drew first blood in the fourth inning on a two-out, two-run double by C Jordan Newton.

It remained 2-0 Jackals until the top of the sixth when CF Chris Valencia led off with a single and then Brachold followed with the two-run longball to right field. The homer was Brachold’s second of the campaign. Brockton then jumped ahead in the seventh when Brachold sent a seeing-eye single through the right side of the infield to plate C Chris Grossman.

The 3-2 advantage for the Rox did not last long. In the bottom of the seventh New Jersey tied it up on a wild pitch which scored Newton from third base. The Jackals then assumed a two-run lead in the eighth on an RBI single by LF Jacob Butler and a sacrifice fly RBI from Newton.

Down 5-3, Brockton would score a run against Jackals closer RHP Romas Hicks in the ninth. With two outs, Valencia reached on an infield single. Brachold then sent a deep shot to right field that hit the top of the wall for an RBI double. After Brachold moved to third on a passed ball, 1B Melvin Falu would fly out to right to end the game.

RHP Edward Rodriguez (1-1) earned the win for New Jersey out of the pen, throwing 1.1 perfect innings with one strikeout. Hicks picked up his fourth save in as many attempts for the Jackals. Brockton RHP Santo Maertz (0-2) was saddled with the defeat after he put the go-ahead run on base in the eighth.

Both starters received no-decisions. Allen for the Jackals allowed three earned runs on ten hits in 6.2 innings with one walk and no strikeouts. Flores was solid again in 6+ innings, surrendering three earned runs on seven hits with no walks and three strikeouts.

New Jersey’s Newton was 2-for-3, driving in three runs, while his teammates 2B Abraham Nunez and Butler each had multiple hits. Valencia for Brockton was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and Grossman added a 2-for-4 day for the Rox.

The finale of the four-game series is set for Sunday afternoon with a 2:05 first pitch. It will be LHP Logan Williamson (0-0, 1.35 ERA) on the mound for the Rox against New Jersey LHP Isaac Pavlik (0-0, 1.59). Brockton will then continue their nine-game road trip with two games at the Sussex Skyhawks on Monday and Tuesday evening.

RHP Wayne Lundgren could not match his first start, throwing four innings and giving up seven runs (six earned) on nine hits. The Brockton bullpen held the Skyhawk lineup at bay for the remaining five innings, but the Rox offense just could not finish the late comeback, leaving seven runners on base.

After the Skyhawks (4-3) strung a couple of hits together to score a run in the first, the Rox (3-3) responded with a run in the top of the fourth on 3B Phillip Cuadrado‘s single, scoring 1B Melvin Falu. Unfortunately, that tie would be quickly erased as the Sussex bats heated up in the bottom of the inning, as Lundgren struggled to retire the side. The Skyhawks scored six runs in the inning on five hits, and that would be all Sussex would need.

DH Scott Wearne stayed hot, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs on the day, batting in two in the sixth and one in the eight. The Rox also scored another run in the top of the fifth on CF Chris Valencia‘s double, scoring SS Dominic Ramos. Those runs would not be enough to finish the sweep of the Skyhawks.

Sussex starter Jusef Frias got the win, going six innings, striking out eight and only allowing two earned runs. Lundgren was charged with the loss and Skyhawk closer Duaner Sanchez recorded his third save of the season. The Rox pen provided another stellar performance, as RHP Buster Lussier and LHP Dustin Birosak combined for a solid four innings pitched giving up no runs with four strikeouts.

The Rox will try to return to their winning ways tomorrow as they head to Little Falls, N.J. to take on the New Jersey Jackals, in the first game of a four-game set. RHP Mike Smith (1-0, 3.38) will take the mound for Brockton against Boston College alum RHP Nick Asselin in a 7:05 p.m. start at Yogi Berra Stadium.

In four games on the road against the Sussex Skyhawks, Riggans went 8-for-15 at the plate with two doubles, two home runs, and a league-high seven RBIs. His .533 batting average also tops the Can-Am League.

After going 0-for-4 in Friday night’s season-opener, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native collected eight hits in his next 11 at-bats. He launched a three-run home run in the first inning of Saturday’s contest at Skylands Park before connecting on a leadoff homer in the fifth inning on Sunday.

A former 24^th round draft pick by Tampa Bay in 2000, Riggans has spent time in the major leagues each of the past four seasons with the Rays. In 64 contests at the big league level, Riggans sports a .202 average with seven home runs. He is in his 10^th professional season and his first with the Jackals after beginning 2010 in the New York Mets system at Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Buffalo. At the minor league level, Riggans is a career .289 hitter.

The Jackals continue their seven-game, season-opening road trip this afternoon when they begin a three-game series against the Pittsfield Colonials at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, Mass. First pitch on Memorial Day is slated for 3:05 p.m.

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. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.

Third baseman Jeremy Hunt continues to be a strong addition to the Skyhawks this year.   He is currently batting .352, which puts him in the number one spot for batting top 10 in the league.  He is also second in the league for hits (56), slugging percentage (.566), extra base hits (19), and runs scored (35).  On Thursday, July 13, at Yogi Berra Stadium, Hunt hit a league-record three home runs in a single game.  Hunt led off the top of the second with his fifth home run of the year, a rocket shot line drive to left field that curled just inside the foul pole.  In the third Hunt bombed a two-run shot to left field center.  Hunt later launched a line drive rocket on the first pitch of his third at-bat to put the Skyhawks up 6-2 in the fifth inning.

The Skyhawks also hit two other home runs that night.  Catcher Ray Serrano had a solo home run over the left field fence, his third of the season.   First baseman John Urick also bombed a solo home run, two pitches after Hunt’s home run in the third inning.  Despite the 5 home runs that night, the Skyhawks lost in extra innings, when in the bottom of the 10th, shortstop Mike DeJesus singled home second baseman Marcus Sanders to give the Jackals a walk-off win, 8-7.

Second baseman Chris Brown has also been on a hot streak.  On Friday, July 10, Brown drove in three runs to power the Sussex Skyhawks to a 6-4 win over the Worcester Tornadoes in front of 3,568 fans at Skylands Park.  Brown stroked an RBI-double in the third and a two-run home run to left in the seventh to supply much of the Skyhawks’ offense.  He finished the night 3 for 5.  The following night on July 11, Brown had two home runs and drove in four to supply the Skyhawks with offense.  Brown is currently batting .310 with 18 RBI this season.

Pavlik (5-1) allowed just one run on four hits in eight innings of work, striking out seven batters and walking just one. The left-hander now has 44 strikeouts this season, the highest total in the Can-Am League. Closer Rusty Tucker came on in the ninth inning to shut the door on New Hampshire and notch his twelfth save of the season.

The Defenders plated their only run of the contest in the bottom of the second inning. After a leadoff triple by designated hitter Jabe Bergeron New Hampshire left fielder Jerod Edmondson laced a single that scored Bergeron from third to make it a 1-0 game.

New Jersey would be kept in check by New Hampshire starter Lucas Ledbetter through the first five innings, stranding eight runners over that stretch. Ledbetter, making just his second start of the season, finally broke in the sixth inning when the Jackals tied the game. After catcher Matt Lauderdale led off with a walk, recent acquisition Justin Humphries ripped a double that placed runners at second and third with no outs. New Hampshire then went to the bullpen, bringing in right-hander Gabe Cuevas to face Mike Scanzano. The Jackals’ third baseman walked to load the bases for centerfielder Billy Kovatch, who grounded into a fielder’s choice that scored Lauderdale from third and forced Scanzano out at second.

The Jackals would put their final three runs up on the board in the bottom of the seventh. With new relief pitcher Luis Ramos on the mound, leftfielder Ryan Rogowski drew a walk to start the frame for New Jersey. A sacrifice bunt by shortstop Mike DeJesus moved Rogowski to second before cleanup hitter Myron Leslie drew a walk of his own. Right fielder Quentin Davis then flew out to right field for the second out of the inning. Davis entered the game in the fifth inning to replace Juan Tejeda, who was ejected for arguing a called strike. The next batter, catcher Matt Lauderdale, ripped a single to load the bases and knock Ramos out of the contest. New Hampshire turned to reliever Adam Piechowski to silence the Jackals rally, but New Jersey wouldn’t be stopped. Humphries deposited a two-run single and moments later Scanzano laced a run-scoring single of his own to make it 4-1 Jackals.

In the ninth, Tucker would face just four batters, allowing a one out single to center fielder Edward Ovalle, before retiring the final two batters of the contest. Ramos (4-3) took the loss for New Hampshire as the go-ahead runs in the seventh inning were credited to him.

New Jersey concludes its four-game series with the Defenders tomorrow night as Stuart Pomeranz takes the mound for the Jackals against New Hampshire right-hander Nick Asselin. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. but tune in to the live broadcast starting at 6:50 p.m. at www.jackals.com. Cody Chrusciel and Joey Whelan will be on the call for the contest.

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.

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.

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.

The first contest began as a pitchers’ duel between New Jersey’s A.J. Wideman and Brockton’s Jeff Long. However, neither starter factored in the decision as Wideman allowed one run on three hits in six frames while Long surrendered a run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

The Rox opened the scoring with a run in the top of the fourth inning when shortstop Dominic Ramos singled, stole second, and came home on an RBI single by second baseman Melvin Falu. New Jersey countered in the bottom of the sixth to tie the score at one when Smithlin walked, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Chris Grossman, and scored on a passed ball.

In the top of the seventh, Brockton sent nine batters to the dish as New Jersey reliever Romas Hicks allowed four runs on three hits. A three-run, bases-loaded triple by Grossman accounted for most of the damage, with Falu plating the game’s final run on an infield single to extend the Brockton lead to 5-1. Prior to the outing, Hicks had tossed 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief this season.

Reliever Brad Hertzler picked up the victory in the first tilt, tossing 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Hicks was saddled with the loss. Brockton closer Jerry Dunn tossed a perfect seventh in a non-save situation.

In game two, the Rox plated four runs in the top of the first against New Jersey starter Stuart Pomeranz (1-1), who allowed six runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings as he took the loss. A pair of New Jersey errors combined with RBI singles by first baseman Keith Brachold and third baseman Phillip Cuadrado, and an RBI groundout off the bat of left fielder Napoleon Calzado gave Brockton a 4-0 lead before New Jersey came up to bat.

The Jackals, though, countered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first to make it a 4-2 contest as third baseman Myron Leslie plated second baseman Marcus Sanders with a sacrifice fly and Smithlin came around to score on an RBI double by first baseman Juan Tejeda.

That score held until the top of the fifth inning, when Brockton scored four runs against Pomeranz and Jackals’ reliever Seth Overbey. An RBI single by former Jackals Jud Thigpen extended the Brockton lead to 5-2. Later in the inning, designated hitter Palmer Karr drove an Overbey pitch off the scoreboard in left field for his third home run of the season to make it a 7-2 ballgame. Cuadrado capped the scoring when he followed with a triple before scoring on a passed ball.

Brockton righty Craig Anderson (2-0) earned the win, allowing two runs on six hits in five innings.

The Jackals and Rox conclude their four-game series on Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. at Yogi Berra Stadium when New Jersey sends southpaw Dave Qualben (0-1, 2.45 ERA) to the hill against Brockton right-hander Wayne Lundgren (0-1, 4.22 ERA) as the Jackals try to earn a series split. If you can’t make it out to the ballpark, tune in to the live webcast with Cody Chrusciel and Joey Whelan with Jackals Pregame beginning 15 minutes prior to first pitch.

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.

“We are extremely proud and exciting to be associating the Sussex Skyhawks with a legend like Yogi Berra,” said Wittkowski.  “This event will be just one of the excellent promotions we will be offering our fans this season.”

On the day of the game, vouchers for the autograph session will be handed out beginning at 3:30 p.m. Autographs will begin at 5:00 p.m and are strictly limited to the first 300 fans in line (with a ticket to that nights game) beginning at 3:30 p.m.  For more information, and for details on the rest of the exciting 2009 promotional schedule, log on to: www.sussexskyhawks.com .