A five-run fourth inning sparked the Rockland Boulders to an 8-7 victory over the New Jersey Jackals at Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls, NJ. With the Boulders defeating New Jersey on Wednesday, combined with Quebec’s win over Ottawa, Rockland’s Magic Number is now reduced to seven over the Champions and six over the Capitales with 11 games remaining. The Boulders have also moved to within three games of New Jersey for third place.
New Jersey drew first blood with a pair in the home first, but RBI singles by Collin Ferguson, Chase Harris and Katsuya Senoo, followed by a two-run hit from Matt Oberste gave the visitors a 5-2 advantage. A pair of unearned runs helped the Jackals trim the deficit, but Rockland opened an 8-4 cushion heading to the bottom of the seventh.
The hosts scored one in that frame and two in the eighth, but closer Robbie Gordon escaped a first-and-third, one out jam in the final inning to nail down the thrilling victory.
Zokan allowed two runs over 5.0 innings to earn the win, with Gordon securing his 12th save. Oberste and Ferguson each went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI to key the 13-hit attack.
Rockland has now taken 2-of-3 from New Jersey with the series finale to be played tomorrow night. The Boulders then return home for a three-game set against the Trois-Rivieres Aigles starting Friday.
About the Author
