TORNADOES SEND SKYHAWKS INTO TAILSPIN

Sussex, NJ – No Skyhawk managed more than one hit on Thursday afternoon as Sussex dropped the first game of a three-game set with the Worcester Tornadoes at CenturyLink Field at Skylands Park by a score of 9-0. Starting pitcher Dan Berlind kept the visitors out of the run column for four innings before coming undone in the fifth; third baseman Mark Minicozzi of Worcester capped a five-run frame for the Tornadoes with his three-run homerun to left field, and the victors never looked back.

Minicozzi wasn’t the only Tornado wreaking havoc at Skylands Park. Worcester’s Stantrel Smith and Chris Colabello chipped in with three hits, two runs scored and two RBI apiece. Newly signed starting pitcher Justin Knoff – a former Skyhawk and member of the 2008 Can-Am League championship team – pitched five scoreless innings to pick up the win, and Matt Giusti recorded the final 12 outs to earn his first save of the season.

On the bright side for Sussex, the team turned two nifty double plays including a catch in left field by Kraig Binick followed by an outfield assist across the field to first base to double-up Worcester’s Alex Trezza in the fourth inning. That effort helped Binick earn his first National Guard Defensive Player of the Game award. Donald Jordat also performed well, pitching a perfect ninth inning in relief.

The Skyhawks will look to avenge Thursday’s blowout loss when the two teams meet for the second game of the series on Friday at 6:35 p.m. Fireworks will follow the conclusion of Friday’s game, and tickets are still available. Call the box office at 973-300-1000 x21 to reserve your seats.