NEWARK BEARS ~ Jackals Win First Executive Challenge Series

From the desk of:  GROWLINGS FROM BROOKLYN


NEWARK BEARS:  New Jersey Jackals Take Batting Practice Against Bears' Pitching.

Based on his torrid hitting of late, Tim Raines Jr. was dropped down in the line-up to the clean-up spot for the rubber game of the Essex County Challenge Series against the Jackals.  Meanwhile, while struggling at the plate, Todd Gossage has also been moved down to eighth in the order by Bears' skipper Tim Raines.  Both players went 1 for 3 earlier this afternoon with each scoring a run and collecting an RBI.

But the changes to Coach Tim Raines' line up did little to keep up with the New Jersey Jackals' assault on Bears' pitching today.  They pounded out 18 hits against the Brick City Bruins and scored ten runs to Newark's five. 

Newark's starting pitcher; Jesse Estrada, got hammered, only lasting 3.2 innings and getting tagged with his first loss.  In those 3.2 innings pitched, Jesse allowed 8 hits; 6 runs - 5 earned; three walks; and five strikeouts.  The bullpen managed no better against New Jersey.  In their 4.1 innings, they allowed another ten hits; another four runs; no walks and 3 strikeouts.

Newark was down 6-1 after a five run fourth inning by New Jersey.  Newark chipped away with runs in the fifth and seventh frames.  The Bears got back to within a run of the Jackals after scoring one more time in the top of the eighth.

But the Jackals stepped it again in the bottom of the eighth and put this game out of Newark's reach once and for all with another big four run inning.  And in doing so, they take the first ever Executive's Challenge Series two games to one.

The Newark Bears record now drops to 2-4 on the season.

Next up; the New York Federals come to Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium; Newark, for a four game series.





Mike.BTB