Bears Beat York, 4-3 in Game 1

by: Mark Krulish | Staff Writer - NY Sports Day | Thursday, May 22, 2008



NEWARK, NJ - Cory Aldridge continues to lead Newark’s offensive charge. En route to the Bears sixth win in a row, the Abilene Texas native once again sparked the Bears to a 4-3 win over the York Revolution in Game 1 of their doubleheader at The Den.

Aldridge has taken his .411 batting average into the cleanup spot and leads the team with 20 RBIs, including the two he picked up in his first two at-bats of Game 1.

Newark starter Patrick Stanley got into some trouble early on in the game. He walked the lead-off man Kenny Perez and got Keoni De Renne to ground into a fielder’s choice. Then Matt Dryer blasted Stanley’s 1-1 offering over the left field wall to give the Revolution a 2-0 lead.

“I had to get past the first inning, I settled down after that,” said Stanley. “Especially with a doubleheader I tried to go as long as I could and the defense has been excellent, it helped me out a lot. I was fortunate to get out of that inning with just two runs against me.”

Newark got one back with Bobby Hill leading off the inning with a base-on-balls. Jose Herrera followed with a walk of his own and Cory Aldridge singled in Hill to cut the deficit in half.

In the bottom of the third, the Bears took the lead when Ramon Castro got them going with a lead-off double. Herrera attempted to bunt Castro over but popped the ball up. However, pitcher Wayne Franklin dove for the ball and came up empty and Castro was safe at first. Once again, Aldridge plated the run with a single and the game was tied. Keith Reed then hit into a fielder’s choice that brought in Herrera and Newark was ahead 3-2.

“I’ve been playing for 11 seasons now, so I’m confident I can square up on a couple of balls,” said Aldridge, with a grin. “I’m just trying to feel good and I’m getting hits and helping the team out.”

York came back to tie the game at 3 when Dryer struck again. With two on and one out, Dryer sent a hot shot down the third-base line that Brian Burgamy was able to snag on his backhand. With his momentum carrying him into foul territory he unleashed a one-hopper to first that was on target but dropped by one-sacker Gerard Haran. However, it was ruled a single for Dryer.

Once again, Newark was able to answer. In the bottom of the fourth inning, catcher John Pachot connected off Franklin for a home run sending the Bears back ahead 4-3.

“Our lineup is getting better and a little more consistent,” said Wayne Krenchicki. “We’ve certainly filled some holes that we had early on and we’re able to win games by knocking in runs.”

That home run closed out the scoring. After settling down over the next four innings, Stanley gave way to J.J. Trujillo and Al Levine who each tossed scoreless innings. Levine earned his seventh save of the season and Stanley improved to 2-0 scattering eight hits over five innings while giving up three earned runs. Wayne Franklin went the distance for York and took the loss, falling to 3-1.

Notes: The Bears are now 5-1 in doubleheader games this season, sweeping their previous two twin-billings. Aldridge’s .411 batting average (after Game 1) is the best amongst all qualifying hitters in the Atlantic League.