BOELSEN LEADS SKYHAWKS TO WALK-OFF WIN

Sussex, NJ – Augusta, N.J. – July 9, 2010 – In a game that featured a 57-minute rain delay, 10 pitchers and five lead changes, Sussex catcher Ryan Boelsen had the last say as his RBI single into center field past a drawn-in, five-man infield in the bottom of the ninth lifted the Skyhawks (22-18) over the Pittsfield Colonials (14-24) in walk-off fashion, 9-8, on Friday night. It was the Skyhawks’ second straight win over Pittsfield and their second walk-off victory of the season.

Boelsen was 2-for-4 on the night with four RBI, bringing home two in the first on a single to center field as well as another on a sacrifice fly to right in the seventh. Center fielder Carl Loadenthal, designated hitter Caleb Stewart and third baseman Nick Giarraputo each added one RBI, Giarraputo via a second-inning solo homerun.

Sussex starter RHP Dan Berlind and relievers RHP Matt Salvato, RHP Kevin Gunter and LHP Jared Locke each surrendered leads at one point or another. RHP Donald Jordat was the only pitcher able to keep the Colonials scoreless, shutting them out over 1.1 innings of work in the fifth and sixth. Locke recorded the last four outs for Sussex and picked up the win.

The Skyhawks finish a three-game set with the Colonials on Saturday at 5:05 p.m. at Century Link Field at Skylands Park. Saturday is Irish Heritage Night sponsored by O’Reilly’s Pub and Grill of Newton, N.J. and will feature live music from Kindred Spirit at 4:00 p.m., Fish ’n’ Chips, and drink specials on Guinness and Harp. In addition, the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free inflatable baseball. The stadium gates will open twenty minutes earlier than usual at 3:45 p.m.