RO-GOING, GOING, GONE: ROGOWSKI LIFTS JACKALS TO WIN
by Katie Corrado

Little Falls, NJ – New Jersey outfielder Ryan Rogowski quieted a pitchers’ duel with a decisive two-run home run in the eighth that carried the Jackals to a 4-1 victory over the Brockton Rox on Tuesday night at Yogi Berra Stadium.

In the bottom of the eighth, with the score deadlocked at 1-1, Marcus Sanders fired up the Jackals bats, lifting a triple deep into center field. Rogowski followed it up by smashing a homer over the right field wall to give the Jackals a 3-1 lead.

Keeping the Jackals bats alive, Michael DeJesus followed up Rogowski’s homer with a blast of his own, also clearing the right field wall. The solo shot brought the score to 4-1 in favor of New Jersey.

Rusty Tucker came in to close out the ninth inning, securing the victory for New Jersey. Tucker earned his 15th save of the season, ranking second in the league.

The Jackals win marked outfielder Zack Smithlin’s first game since June 12. The all-time franchise leader in hits, steals and runs, Smithlin had been sidelined for 40 games due to a quad injury, and made his presence known immediately when he smacked a base hit up the middle and proceeded to swipe second base in his first at-bat of the night. Rogowski also recorded his league-leading 21st stolen base of the season.

Jackals reliever Romas Hicks (3-1) picked up the win in two scoreless innings of work, while Keith Noe (1-2) absorbed the loss for the Rox.

Thanks to outstanding starting pitching by New Jersey’s Ted Serro and Brockton’s Wayne Lundgren, both teams were held scoreless until the fourth inning, when Brockton second baseman Melvin Falu scored on a base hit from Chris Grossman, putting the Rox on the board 1-0.

The Jackals remained scoreless through a 30-minute sixth inning rain delay.

After a stagnant 1-0 Brockton game heading into the seventh inning, the New Jersey bats finally came alive. With DeJesus on third with two outs, Mike Scanzano drove a base hit into center field, allowing DeJesus to score and tie the game at 1-1.

New Jersey and Brockton continue their series tomorrow at Yogi Berra Stadium at 11:05am when the Jackals send Stuart Pomeranz (4-5) to the mound against Fraser Robinson (5-2). Cody Chrusciel and Joey Whelan have the call with the live webcast beginning 10 minutes prior to first pitch, only on 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. The Jackals have clinched the 2009 Can-Am League first-half title and an automatic berth in the playoffs, which begin on September 9. Playoff and regular season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.Jackals.com.