WIDEMAN NEARLY PEFECT AS JACKALS WIN LEAGUE-RECORD 12th STRAIGHT

Little Falls, NJ – Jackals’ southpaw A.J. Wideman came within four outs of a perfect game and the New Jersey Jackals set a league record by winning their 12th consecutive game as New Jersey defeated Les Capitales de Quebec 6-0 on Tuesday night at Stade Municipal. The win eclipses the previous Can-Am League mark of 11 straight wins, set by the North Shore Spirit in 2006.

Wideman (3-0) allowed one hit and struck out seven batters without allowing a walk in eight shutout innings to earn the win. Wideman’s perfect game was broken up with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning when Quebec third baseman Pat Deschenes bounced a clean single up the middle. The Deschenes base hit was the only ball that reached the outfield against Wideman, a Mississauga, Ontario native.

The Jackals opened up the scoring in the top of the second inning against Capitales starter Michel Simard. After designated hitter Juan Tejeda was hit by a pitch, an RBI double by right fielder Billy Kovatch put New Jersey on top 1-0. Later in the inning with runners on second and third with two outs, second baseman Marcus Sanders hit a grounder to second, but Quebec first baseman Eddie Lantigua dropped the throw, enabling both runners to score as the Jackals extended their lead to 3-0.

A pair of sacrifice flies in the fifth and sixth innings by left fielder Ryan Rogowski and center fielder Quentin Davis put the Jackals up 5-0. In the seventh, New Jersey tacked on the game’s final run when Rogowski walked and stole second before crossing the plate on a wild pitch by reliever Derek McDaid.

Capitales ace Michel Simard (3-2) took the loss after allowing five runs – three earned – on seven hits in six innings. Simard walked two batters, hit two more, and struck out three. For New Jersey, reliever Seth Overbey walked a batter in the eighth, but did not allow a run.

The Jackals team record for consecutive wins is 13, set by the 2002 squad that went on to win the Northern League title.

The Jackals and Capitales conclude their three-game series on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Stade Municipal when New Jersey sends right-hander Ted Serro (3-1, 3.46 ERA) to the mound for his fifth start of the season against 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne (0-0, 8.38 ERA), who will be making his third start for Quebec. Cody Chrusciel has the call with the live webcast beginning ten 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.