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Fireworks Nights Fri., 7/10/2009, 6:35 PM vs. Worcester Fri., 7/24/2009, 6:35 PM vs. Worcester Tue., 7/28/2009, 6:35 PM vs. Québec Thu., 8/13/2009, 6:35 PM vs. Brockton Fri., 8/21/2009, 6:35 PM vs. New Jersey
After an hour and twenty-two minute rain delay in the top of the seventh inning, the Sussex Skyhawks broke a short two-game losing streak by defeating the visiting New Jersey Jackals 8-0 Thursday night at Skylands Park.
The Skyhawks got off to a strong start in the first inning putting four on the scoreboard on six hits with doubles by Chris Brown, Jorge Moreno, and John Urick. In the second inning, the Skyhawks knocked out Jackals starter Stuart Pomeranz (3-3) for four singles and added three more runs to take a 7-0 lead.
Skyhawks starter Kyle Ruwe (4-2), whose start was shortened due to the rain, had another strong outing pitched 6 1/3 innings giving up eight hits and no runs. Offensively, Skyhawks designated hitter Jorge Moreno was 3 for 5 with two RBI's. The defensive play of the game came from Skyhawks catcher Ray Serrano who ran down a ball in foul territory that nearly ended up into the visitor's dugout some fifty feet away.
The Skyhawks travel to New Hampshire tomorrow night for a three game series. Game time is 7:05. New Jersey travels to Worcester also for a three game series with tomorrow's game time at 7:05.
TEJEDA SENDS JACKALS TO 4-3 WIN
Juan Tejeda snapped a 3-3 game in the top of the ninth when he blooped an RBI-single to center to propel New Jersey to a 4-3 win on Wednesday night at Skylands Park.
With two outs in the ninth, Quinn Stewart ripped a double to get the Jackals started. After an intentional walk to cleanup hitter Myron Leslie, Tejeda dropped a single in front of Sussex centerfielder Jorge Moreno, scoring Stewart from second.
New Jersey reliever Seth Overbey (2-1) picked up the win after throwing one inning of scoreless relief in the eighth. Rusty Tucker earned his eleventh save of the season after throwing a perfect ninth. Sussex reliever Greg Lane took the loss, after giving up two runs on eight hits in three innings of work.
Third baseman Mike Scanzano went 2-for-2 with a walk and three runs scored for New Jersey.
The Skyhawks and the Jackals return to Skylands Park on Thursday at 6:35 p.m. for the final game of a three game series.
SKYHAWKS LOSE TIGHT GAME IN EXTRA'S
After a brief rain delay to start the game and fog prevalent throughout the later stages of the game, the New Jersey Jackals came from behind to defeat the Sussex Skyhawks 6-5 in ten innings.
The scoring began in the top of the first inning when the Jackals scored three runs, two of which were on a two-run home run by first baseman Juan Tejada. The Skyhawks responded in the bottom of the first with back-to-back doubles by Chris Brown that scored Ryan Crespi and by Maikel Jova that scored Brown.
The Skyhawks tied it up in the fifth inning when Crespi scored on a fielder's choice by Jorge Moreno, then with two outs took the lead after a single by John Urich scored Jova who doubled in the previous at bat. In the sixth inning, the Skyhawks added an insurance run when Crespi singled and scored catcher Ray Serrano.
The Jackals got a run in the seventh and then tied it up in the eighth inning on a hit by Tejada that Skyhawks centerfielder Jorge Moreno lost in the fog, which in turn scored Quinn Stewart from first base. In the top of the tenth, with the base loaded, Skyhawks reliever Matt Petrusek walked in Jackals Michael DeJesus to give New Jersey the lead.
Skyhawks starting pitcher Carter Clements gave up no earned runs and struck out five in 6 2/3 innings of work earning a no decision. Jackals reliever Romas Hicks got the win and closer Rusty Tucker got his tenth save of the season.
The Skyhawks return to Skylands Park on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. for game two of a three game series with the New Jersey Jackals.
Skyhawks Hunt and Jova lead Can-Am League in Hits
The Skyhawks have been strong offensively in the 2009 season. With a team batting average of .295, they currently have the second highest average in the Can-Am League, just behind the New Jersey Jackals averaging .301. As a team the Skyhawks have scored 170 runs off 310 hits and 16 home runs this season. The Skyhawks also have two players tied for most hits in the Can-Am League, third baseman Jeremy Hunt (pictured) and outfielder Maikel Jova, each with 39 hits this season.
Jeremy Hunt has appeared in 30 games this season with the Skyhawks, batting .351 with 39 hits, 3 home runs, and 17 RBI's, which puts him in the second place spot for batting top 10 in the league. With 11 doubles, he is currently tied with teammate Jorge Moreno for most doubles in the league. His on-base percentage of .416 puts him in the fourth highest in the league. Hunt joins the Skyhawks this year after playing for Lake Ellsinore Storm in 2008, the Class A California League San Diego Padres Affiliate, appearing in 101 games and ending with an average of .266, 11 HR, and 52 RBI's. A resident of Tampa, Florida, Hunt is originally from Greensboro, NC. He attended Villanova University where he played college ball.
Maikel Jova, with a batting average of .305, has also appeared in 30 games this season. He currently has 39 hits, eight doubles and one home run. With 31 RBI's, Jova is tied for first place in the league. Jova is also a new addition to the Skyhawks this season. A resident of San Jose, Costa Rica, the 28 year old veteran played for the Yuma Scorpions of the Golden League in 2008. Last season he appeared in 84 games with an AVG of .359, a RBI of 88 and 9 HR.
Former Skyhawks continue season with Class A teams
Two former players of the Sussex Skyhawks's 2008 season, first baseman Matt Weston (pictured), and RHP Mike LaLuna, continue the 2009 season with class A teams in the minor leagues.
Matt Weston, who played first base for the Skyhawks in the 2008 season, finished the season second in home runs and fifth in total base hits and extra-base hits. His contract was sold to the Lancaster Jet Hawks in California on June 3. Since joining the Lancaster JetHawks on June 3, Weston's average is currently .260, with 20 hits, seven doubles, one triple, five home runs, and 19 RBI's. The Chino Hills, CA resident has played in 21 games this season. On June 25 versus Rancho Cucamonga, Weston batted .400 with 2 hits and one RBI.
RHP Mike LaLuna has pitched in three games with the Oneonta Tigers, the Detroit Tigers Class A Affiliate Short Season team of New York, with an ERA of 2.00. In his first game on June 19, LaLuna pitched the last three innings and earned his first save of the season. On June 24, he earned his second save of the season and struck out three players. In his most recent game on June 27, LaLuna pitched 4 innings and struck out six players, bringing his total strikeout number this year to 15.
BROWN POWERS SUSSEX TO 12-5 VICTORY
Sussex second baseman Chris Brown went 4-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBI to power the Skyhawks to a 12-5 win over Quebec on Sunday afternoon at Skylands Park. Left fielder Ryan Crespi finished 3-for-5 with three runs scored to help the Skyhawks offensively. Every Sussex starter registered at least one hit, as the team totaled 17 hits off Quebec pitching.
Roger Lincoln (2-1) gave up three runs on six hits in six innings of work to earn the win for Sussex. Quebec starter Michel Simard (3-3) was saddled with the loss after giving up eight runs over five innings of work.
Sussex scored six runs on seven hits in the bottom of the fifth to build an 8-1 advantage. The Skyhawks added four more runs in the bottom of the eighth, highlighted by a two-run home run by designated hitter Luis Soto.
Ivan Naccarata was 2-for-4 with two RBI in the losing cause for Quebec.
After an off day on Monday, the Skyhawks return to Skylands Park on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. for a game with the New Jersey Jackals. Quebec travels to New Hampshire on Monday for a 6:35 p.m. date with the American Defenders.
QUEBEC CRUISES TO 7-2 VICTORY OVER SUSSEX
Quebec pounded out 12 hits and took advantage of four Sussex errors to cruise to a 7-2 victory over the Skyhawks on Saturday afternoon at Skylands Park.
Rightfielder Alex Nunez went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, while shortstop Ivan Naccarata finished 3-for-5 with a double, run scored and 2 RBI. Designated Hitter Greg Stevens also drove in two runs for Quebec.
Quebec starter Dan Sausville (4-1) scattered five hits over 5 2/3 innings, giving up just one run, to pick up the win. Sausville struck out three and didn't walk a batter to earn his fourth win of the season. Kyle Ruwe, who gave up 10 hits and seven runs (four earned) over seven innings, took the loss for Sussex.
Catcher Ray Serrano, Second Baseman Chris Brown and Rightfielder Maikel Jova each picked up two hits in the losing cause for Sussex.
The Skyhawks return to action Sunday at 2:05 p.m. for the final game of the four game series against Les Capitales.
SKYHAWKS RALLY IN HIGH SCORING AFFAIR
The Sussex Skyhawks fell behind early on seven Quebec Capitales runs in the first inning, but rallied as they won 17-16 Thursday night at Skylands Park. Kyle Kmiecik's game winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth won it for the Skyhawks.
Alex Smith made his first start of the season for the Skyhawks, but ran into immediate difficulties as the Capitales jumped on him for four hits and seven earned runs as he was pulled in the first and replaced by James Douglas who completed the inning, but gave up a hit which scored two of Smith's runners.
However, the Skyhawks battled back in the bottom of the first on a three-run home run by designated hitter Jorge Moreno. Then in the third inning, the Skyhawks picked up eight runs on nine hits as they sent up twelve batters. The Capitales evened it up in the top of the fourth with three runs, but the Skyhawks regained the lead in bottom of the fourth as the put five up on the board including a three RBI double by Maikel Jova.
In the top of the ninth, the Capitales' Patrick D'Aoust's base hit scored two off Skyhawks reliever Sandy Nin to tie the score at 16. However, in the bottom of the ninth the first two Skyhawks, Jeremy Hunt singles and Ray Cerrano reached base on a fielder's choice. Kmiecik lined up to bunt, but brought the bat back and slapped a single to right-centerfield scoring Hunt.
Jorge Moreno was 2 for 4 with a home run and Maikel Jova was 3 for 6 with four RBI's for the Skyhawks. Greg Stevens was 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBI's for the Capitales.
The Skyhawks return to action tomorrow night for game two of the four game series against Les Capitales with a special start time at 6:35 with fireworks following the game.
Ruwe named Pitcher of the Week
The Can-Am League has announced Sussex Skyhawks RHP Kyle Ruwe as Player of the Week. Ruwe currently leads the Can-Am League as the number one pitcher with an ERA of 1.26 and a record of 3-0. Ruwe has pitched 35.2 innings throughout five games this season. With 26 strikeouts, he has the third highest strikeout number in the league.
The 26 year old Florida native is currently in his 2nd season with the Skyhawks. Before joining the Skyhawks, Ruwe played for Lincoln for three seasons with an average ERA of 4.01 in 89 innings before coming to Sussex.
In Thursday, June 18th's game, Ruwe scattered nine hits, struck out eight and walked just two in a complete game shutout as the Skyhawks rolled to a 9-0 win at home against New Hampshire. “We had to feel good with our number one guy on the mound,” Skyhawks manager Hal Lanier said. “He has a good track record. He knows how to win.”
CHAMPIONSHIP SHIRTS ON SALE!!!
Skyhawks Can-Am League championship shirts are on sale now!! The
Skyhawks wrapped up an amazing season and capped it off with a 3-game
sweep of the Quebec Capitales to win the first championship in
professional baseball for Sussex County since 1994. The shirts are
available in sizes large to XXL and cost $17 (plus shipping and
handling). To order your shirt, call the Skyhawks front office at
973-300-1000 x 21. They can also be purchased at the Skyhawks management
office at Skylands Park --- credit cards and cash accepted, no checks
are accepted.
Show your pride for the Skyhawks and the amazing championship in 2008!!!
The Skyhawks have been strong offensively in the 2009 season. With a team batting average of .295, they currently have the second highest average in the Can-Am League, just behind the New Jersey Jackals averaging .301. As a team the Skyhawks have scored 170 runs off 310 hits and 16 home runs this season. The Skyhawks also have two players tied for most hits in the Can-Am League, third baseman Jeremy Hunt (pictured) and outfielder Maikel Jova, each with 39 hits this season.
Two former players of the Sussex Skyhawks's 2008 season, first baseman Matt Weston (pictured), and RHP Mike LaLuna, continue the 2009 season with class A teams in the minor leagues.
The Can-Am League has announced Sussex Skyhawks RHP Kyle Ruwe as Player of the Week. Ruwe currently leads the Can-Am League as the number one pitcher with an ERA of 1.26 and a record of 3-0. Ruwe has pitched 35.2 innings throughout five games this season. With 26 strikeouts, he has the third highest strikeout number in the league. 
