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The Skyhawks almost finished what would have been a great comeback win against the Brockton Rox on Tuesday night, but they ended up one run short, losing 5-4. Sussex scored two runs in the ninth inning to tie the game at three, but RHP Daniel Jordat allowed two earned runs in the top of the tenth to the resilient Rox to make it 5-3. The Skyhawks clawed back in the tenth once again and had the tying run 90 feet away at third base with two outs when DH Caleb Stewart grounded into a fielder’s choice to end the game.
The Skyhawks managed to keep the game close thanks to good defense and clutch pitching. LHP Jeff Icenogle, reigning Pointstreak Pitcher of the Week, allowed 14 baserunners via nine hits, three hit batsmen and two walks but surrendered only two earned runs in six innings pitched.
Brockton RF Keith Brachold led the attack for the Rox, going 3 for 6 with one run scored and one RBI. LHP Logan Williamson pitched a gem in his first start of the season for Brockton, throwing just 77 pitches in 6.2 innings pitched; he allowed three hits and walked one while striking out six.
RHP Josh Papelbon, Brockton’s closer and the younger brother of Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, allowed the two runs in the ninth that Sussex used to tie the game. He went on to hold off the Skyhawks in the tenth and left with the victory despite his blown save. Williamson did not factor into the decision, and Jordat took the loss for Sussex.
One bright spot for the Skyhawks was the performance of the first four batters in the lineup – LF Kraig Binick, 2B Chase Fontaine, CF Carl Loadenthal and DH Caleb Stewart – each of whom went 2 for 5. Fontaine, Loadenthal and Stewart each registered one RBI.
The Skyhawks will try to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Rox tomorrow morning in the final game of this three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 a.m. at Century Link Field at Skylands Park. RHP Wayne Lundgren and RHP Jusef Frias are the probable starters.
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