Boulders Slammed By Jackals, 13-1

The Rockland Boulders fell behind early and could not find their way back as they were beaten by the New Jersey Jackals, 13-1, Sunday afternoon in Can-Am League baseball action.

New Jersey (5-4) blew the game open from the get go with nine runs in the first two innings. Mike Jones hit a towering two-run home run to right field off Rockland starter Casey Hodges (1-1) to cap off the scoring for New Jersey.

Hodges would settle down after the second. He stayed in the game to throw another four innings without giving up another run. Those last four innings looked very similar to Hodges’ first start in Pittsfield last Monday when he gave up just one earned run over eight innings.

The designated hitter on Sunday, Norm Hutchins, suffered an apparent leg injury after a single in the fourth inning and was replaced by Dustin Smith.

Smith came around to score on Todd Jennings’ RBI double later in the inning, ending the shutout.

North Rockland High School product Justin Ottman made his first appearance for the Boulders on Sunday. He came out of the bullpen in the seventh frame to relieve Hodges and retired the side in order. He struggled in his second inning of work though, giving up four runs in the eighth.

After hitting New Jersey starters with ease in the first two games of the series, the Boulders’ offense went cold on Sunday. Jackals’ starter Isaac Pavlik (2-0) was able to throw seven innings, giving up just four hits and one run while striking out 10 Rockland batters.

Rockland (5-5) will try to recover and split the series with the Jackals tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from Yogi Berra Stadium. Bobby Blevins (1-0) will make his third start of the season for the Boulders, while New Jersey sends James Leverton (1-1) to the mound.

Catch all the action live at www.rocklandboulders.com and follow @CanAmBoulders on Twitter for more Boulders updates.