The New Jersey Jackals fell to the Cuban National Team 6-5 in the first game of a three game series at Yogi Berra Stadium on Friday night.

The Jackals came into the first game with a 19-17 record while holding second place in the standings. The Jackals and Cuban National Team began their homestand with pregame festivities as the exchanged gifts after the playings of the Cuban and American national anthems.

Brendan Butler took the mound for the Jackals, and Yosimar Cousin got the start for the Cuban Nationals. The Jackals encountered trouble in the 1st inning as a Brendan Butler wild pitch sent the first Cuba runner home, giving the national team a quick 1-0 lead.

The Jackals tied the game in the bottom of the 2nd when Jason Agresti singled home Emilio Guerrero. The Cubans struck back in the top of the 3rd with two runs coming off a double and a sacrifice fly, making the score 3 to 1.

In the bottom of the 5th, Alfredo Marte drove home Santiago Chirino with a single to centerfield, shortening the opposition’s lead to 1. Cuba’s lead came to an end in the bottom of the 6th when Demetrious Moorer dashed around the bases on a catastrophic throw into centerfield during a stolen base attempt, triumphantly stepping on home to tie the score at 3.

The game remained tied until the top of the 9th when Nicholas Bozman walked in a run with the bases loaded. The scoring onslaught wasn’t over, as an error committed by Santiago Chirino scored two more runs adding to their lead in the 9th.

Despite an Emilio Guerrero home run and a bases loaded walk, it wasn’t enough as the Jackals fell to the Cuban National Team in the bottom of the 9th. Frank Luis Medina obtained the win, Jeffrey Rosa took the loss, and Yudiel Rodriguez got the save. The Jackals’ next home game is at 6:05 tomorrow as the play their second game against the Cuban National Team.

George Jamgochian

Broadcasting and Media Relations Intern