JACKALS DROP TOUGH 10-8 DECISION AT PITTSFIELD

Pittsfield, MA – Designated hitter Shawn Riggans’ two-out, two-run double in the top of the eighth inning pulled the New Jersey Jackals within one, but the Pittsfield Colonials held on for a 10-8 win on a hot and muggy Tuesday night at Wahconah Park. The win helped the Colonials to a 3-1 series win and pulled them out of the Can-Am League basement.

Facing Miguel Flores, who tossed 8 2/3 innings of shutout baseball against New Jersey on June 10 in Little Falls, the Jackals jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning when second baseman Abraham Nunez and designated hitter Shawn Riggans laced back-to-back one-out singles before scoring on two-out RBI base hits by first baseman Jabe Bergeron and shortstop Mike DeJesus.

In the bottom of the second, Pittsfield struck for four runs against New Jersey starter Dan Griffin behind an RBI double by center fielder Quentin Davis, a run-scoring single by right fielder Daniel Carte, an RBI groundout, and a wild pitch. However, the Jackals pulled even at 4-4 in the top of the third on an RBI double by left fielder Jacob Butler and a run-scoring single by shortstop Mike DeJesus.

After the teams exchanged runs in the fourth, Pittsfield rallied for three runs courtesy of a pair of New Jersey errors in the bottom of the sixth to take the lead for good.

Jackals reliever Edgar Estanga allowed four runs, two earned, in two innings out of the bullpen to take the loss while Pittsfield reliever Giuseppe Granitto earned the win. Reymond Cruz retired the side in order in the top of the ninth to notch his third save of the season. Neither starter, Dan Griffin for New Jersey or Miguel Flores for Pittsfield, factored in the decision.

The Jackals are off on Wednesday before beginning a three-game set against the Quebec Capitales on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. at Stade Municipal in Quebec City. New Jersey will send right-hander Nick Asselin (1-4, 6.53) to the mound in the series opener. Cody Chrusciel has the live call on the Jackals 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. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.

Jackal Bites: New Jersey is now 0-19 this season when trailing after seven innings… Reliever Romas Hicks was ejected for arguing a call at first base in the bottom of the eighth inning.