LOBBAN STIFLES JACKALS AS MAGIC NUMBER REMAINS ONE

Worcester, MA – New Jersey native Ryan Lobban fired seven shutout innings as the Worcester Tornadoes defeated the New Jersey Jackals 6-1 on Wednesday night at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field. The Jackals’ loss, combined with the Brockton Rox 10th consecutive win, keeps New Jersey’s magic number to clinch the Can-Am League first-half title at one.

The Jackals mustered just two hits against Lobban (5-3), who struck out three batters and walked a pair as he used his first shutout of the season to beat New Jersey for the second time in three starts.

The Tornadoes struck first, scoring three runs against New Jersey starter Giuseppe Granitto in the bottom of the third inning. After back-to-back singles to begin the frame, a grounder off the bat of right fielder Carlos Sosa plated center fielder Heath Keel to give Worcester a 1-0 lead. The next batter, first baseman Chris Colabello, singled home shortstop Garrett Olson before catcher Alex Trezza plated Colabello with an RBI double to extend the Tornadoes’ lead to 3-0.

In the bottom of the fourth, an RBI fielders’ choice off the bat of Olson and Colabello’s second RBI single of the night gave Worcester a 5-0 advantage. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Colabello hit his fourth home run of the season to center field, a leadoff shot off New Jersey reliever Mark Suchowiecki, to cap the Worcester scoring at 6-0.

The Jackals loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth inning against reliever P.J. Thomas, who walked New Jersey right fielder Quentin Davis to force in a run from third to cut the deficit to 6-1. But with the tying run on deck, Tornadoes manager Rich Gedman turned to closer Santiago Ramirez who induced third baseman Mike Scanzano to pop out to second baseman Jeff LaHair as the Jackals left the bases full to end the game. Ramirez earned his third save of the season filling in for injured closer Anthony Sullivan.

Granitto (0-2) took the loss after allowing five runs on nine hits with three walks and four strikeouts in five innings. Suchowiecki surrendered one run on two hits in two innings with a walk and three strikeouts, while rookie Mike Lorentson added a perfect bottom of the eighth for the Jackals.

Colabello led the Tornadoes offensive charge, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Keel, Worcester’s leadoff hitter, set the pace by going 3-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and a run.

For New Jersey, catcher Matt Lauderdale, designated hitter Quinn Stewart, left fielder Ryan Rogowski, and center fielder Billy Kovatch each recorded a hit. With his fourth-inning single, Stewart has now reached base in 20 consecutive games.

The Jackals and Tornadoes continue their four-game series on Thursday morning at 11:05 a.m. when New Jersey sends left-hander A.J. Wideman (4-0, 2.17 ERA) to the mound against Worcester right-hander Josef Frias (1-1, 6.10 ERA). The 24-year-old Wideman leads the Can-Am League in ERA. A Jackals’ win or a Brockton loss to New Hampshire on Thursday night would give New Jersey the first-half title. Cody Chrusciel 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.