Skyhawks edge Jackals in exhibition opener

Little Falls -Both the N.J. Jackals and Sussex Skyhawks looked frustrated at the plate as the two Canadian-American League teams played their first exhibition game on Wednesday night, May 17, at Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls. The Skyhawks prevailed, 3-2, scoring the winning run in the top of the ninth inning on a sacrifice fly by center fielder James Cooper that scored Scott Grimes. The Jackals mounted a threat before succumbing in the bottom of the ninth. After two walks and a wild pitch ignited the Jackals fans and bench, third baseman Wilton Veras grounded into a rally-killing double play to end the game. The Jackals were no hit for three innings until Bill Peavy snapped a single to begin the fourth inning. Skyhawks starting pitcher Chris Zallie pitched three solid innings, allowing an unearned run while striking out one and walking one. Brian Ford was outstanding in relief for the Skyhawks. The Skyhawks took an early lead as Rich Daly sent an Aaron Myers pitch halfway up the right-field grassy knoll at Yogi Berra Stadium for a solo home run. The Jackals were able to tie the score, 1-1, in the bottom of the second after an error by Skyhawks shortstop Bobby Lenoir. For the new Skyhawks franchise, it was victorious start against the Can-Am league competition. Josh Brey and Joe Orloski pitched effectively on the losing side for the Jackals, combining for four innings pitched and five strikeouts.