OFFENSE ERUPTS EARLY AS PAVLIK, JACKALS CUT MAGIC NUMBER TO FIVE

Little Falls, NJ – The New Jersey Jackals scored six runs in the bottom of the first inning to support starting pitcher Isaac Pavlik in a 7-1 victory over the Sussex Skyhawks on Tuesday night at Yogi Berra Stadium. With the win, New Jersey reduces its magic number to clinch the Can-Am League first half title to five.

Pavlik (4-1) is now tied for the league lead in wins after allowing one run on seven hits in seven innings. The southpaw also takes over the league lead in strikeouts after fanning seven batters without surrendering a walk.

Sussex starter Mike Schellinger did not record an out in the first inning as New Jersey’s first five batters of the game each came around to score. A pair of two-run singles by shortstop Mike DeJesus and catcher Matt Lauderdale gave New Jersey a 4-0 lead before Schellinger was lifted for reliever James Douglas after facing seven batters. Douglas walked the first batter he faced, third baseman Mike Scanzano, with the bases loaded to force in the Jackals’ fifth run of the inning. After Sussex recorded the first out of the frame when Lauderdale was tagged out at home attempting to score on a wild pitch, the Jackals extended their lead to 6-0 when second baseman Marcus Sanders lifted a sacrifice fly with left-hander Alex Smith on the mound. During the inning in which the Skyhawks used three pitchers, New Jersey was aided by four free passes and a hit batter. The Jackals are now 17-1 when scoring first.

Schellinger (2-3), who entered the game eighth in the Can-Am League in ERA, the loss after allowing six runs on four hits with two walks and a hit batter. Smith pitched well for the Skyhawks, surrendering one run on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. New Jersey relievers Kevin Gunter and Seth Overbey each contributed a scoreless inning.

The Skyhawks plated their only run of the game in the top of the seventh inning. After Sussex began the inning with back-to-back singles, an broken-bat RBI base hit by designated hitter Luis Soto scored third baseman Jeremy Hunt.

With the win, the first-place Jackals improve to 24-13 while the last-place Skyhawks fall to 16-21. Offensively for New Jersey, left fielder Ryan Rogowski went 3-for-4 with a run scored. First baseman Juan Tejeda was the only other Jackal to record multiple hits, going 2-for-4.

The Jackals and Skyhawks continue their three-game series on Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. when New Jersey sends right-hander Stuart Pomeranz (3-3, 5.40 ERA) to the mound against Sussex righty Justin Knoff (3-1, 2.36 ERA). Cody Chrusciel and Joey Whelan have 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.