Baseball /

Date:  Source: New Jersey Jackals

Little Falls, NJ -- It was a cold overcast night here at Yogi Berra Stadium as the New Jersey Jackals faced the Empire State Greys for the last game of a three game series. The Jackals were seeking their first series sweep at home and didn't take long to claim an early lead. The lineup underwent its biggest change of the season, with Todd Isaacs Jr. playing second base instead of his customary outfield.

Joan Gregorio made the start for New Jersey, mowing through the first two innings, using just 28 total pitches. The offense would provide early run support, utilizing a Santiago Chirino walk and a Dalton Combs single to place runners on first and third. That allowed Alfredo Marte to start the scoring onslaught with a single of his own, scoring Chirino and giving the Jackals a 1-0 advantage.
 
Although the Jackals are known for their ability to hit home runs, the talent for playing "small ball" exists in the lineup as well. With Josh Rehwaldt batting in the bottom of the first, Trevor Abrams was caught in a run-down after reaching on a fielder's choice. Abrams was able to keep the pickle going long enough for Dalton Combs to race home and score before Abrams was tagged, giving the Jackals a 2-0 lead after one inning.
 
The third and fourth frames featured four total runs added to the advantage. Isaacs picked up an RBI groundout to score Joe Simone in the third and the latter would follow in the fourth with a two RBI double in the fourth. Chirino recorded a two-bagger of his own to push the Jackals in front six to nothing.
 
In the sixth, New Jersey slammed the door emphatically, with a three run homer from Rehwaldt and a two RBI single from Combs, staking the home side to an 11-0 lead. Chirino would leave the yard with a two run homer an inning later to complete the scoring.
 
This was inarguably the finest performance the Jackals have received from their pitching staff this year- Joan Gregorio (1-1) twirled five innings of three hit ball and only allowed one of the 19 he faced to reach third base. Jefry Valdez and Jose A. Ramirez split the last four innings evenly and completed the shutout. Nicholas Luc (0-3) takes the loss for Empire State, who fall to 0-34 on the season, while New Jersey ascends to 15-18.
 
The Jackals will visit Quebec over the weekend before welcoming Ottawa to Yogi Berra Stadium for the second time this season Tuesday through Thursday of next week. Tickets are available online at jackals.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: Phil Hoops

REPORTING BY: Alex Paese, Press Box and Media Relations Assistant