Boulders Win In First Visit To Yogi Berra Stadium

The Rockland Boulders came out hot in their first trip to Yogi Berra Stadium on Friday, slamming 16 hits to defeat the New Jersey Jackals, 11-10, in Can-Am League baseball action.

The Boulders scored 10 runs before the Jackals could get on the board, but New Jersey was able to make it a game with a few rallies of their own.  Ryan Mollica, who went 4-for-6 on the night, produced his only RBI of the night in the sixth inning, which proved to be the game winner.

The Boulders stormed out of the gate with six runs in the first inning.  Jermel Lomack led the game off with a walk, followed by a Ryan Mollica single.  After a wild pitch advanced the runners, Norm Hutchins grounded out to first, scoring Lomack from third for Rockland’s first run.

Sean Smith, whose only two hits going into the game were home runs, added his third hit and long ball in the top of the first, giving Rockland the 3-0 lead.  Tommy Giles wanted a piece of the action, and followed Smith with a solo shot.

With two outs, Bridger Hunt started a new rally with a single.  Eric Flynn plated Hunt with a double, and then came around to score on Dustin Smith’s single.

The Boulders rallied again in the top of the second. After a single to start the inning by Hutchins, Smith and Giles hit back-to-back doubles to bring in two more runs for Rockland.  Flynn knocked in the third run with a sacrifice fly, giving the Boulders a nine-run lead after two.

New Jersey (3-4) found itself back in the game after a few strong innings and some Boulders’ defensive mishaps, but Rockland was able to hold on behind Adrian Martin’s perfect ninth inning for the save.

Smith went 3-for-6 on the night with his team leading third home run of the season and three RBIs.  Giles continued his hot start with two more hits, and three RBIs of his own.

Rockland (5-3) and New Jersey play once again today at 6:35 PM at Yogi Berra Stadium. The Boulders send John Muller (0-1) to the mound to take on New Jersey’s A.J. Wideman (0-1).