The Down East Bird Dawgs capitalized on the New Jersey Jackals early control issues and defeated the Jackals 7-1 on Thursday evening, winning the rubber game of the series on Larry Doby Day at Hinchliffe Stadium.
The Bird Dawgs took advantage of starter Caleb Debban’s command struggles from the opening inning, using patience at the plate to build an early lead. Center fielder Stephen DiTomaso opened the game with a single before a wild pitch and several walks, including a bases-loaded walk to third baseman Yeniel Laboy, helped Down East score twice for a 2-0 advantage.
The Bird Dawgs added another run in the third when shortstop Trey Law lined an RBI single to score second baseman Kenny Levari, extending the lead to 3-0.
After retiring the first two batters in the fourth, Debban appeared poised for his first 1-2-3 inning of the afternoon before catcher Tyler Blaum kept the inning alive with a bloop single. Levari followed by launching a two-run home run to right field, pushing the lead to 5-0. Four of Down East’s first five runs came with two outs.
Debban allowed another single before striking out first baseman Juan Garcia to end his outing. The right-hander lasted four innings, allowing five runs on eight hits while walking eight and striking out three. Wild pitches and free passes prevented him from settling in and forced the Jackals to turn to the bullpen early.
Down East added to its lead in the sixth when designated hitter Kalae Harrison connected on a solo home run off Jackals reliever Breyln Jones to make it 6-0.
While the Bird Dawgs’ offense took advantage of New Jersey’s mistakes, starter Drew Henderson controlled the game on the mound. Henderson tossed six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out six.
The Bird Dawgs added their final run in the eighth as DiTomaso drove an RBI double to right field, scoring Laboy for a 7-0 lead.
The Jackals avoided the shutout in the ninth when catcher Aneudis Mordan hit a solo home run, but New Jersey was unable to mount any further comeback as Down East claimed the series with the 7-1 victory.
New Jersey had four hits the whole night including Mordans home run. Right fielder Gustavo Sosa, left fielder Martin Figueroa and second baseman Isaac Nunez contributed to that number.
The Jackals will start their roadtrip before the Frontier League all-star break traveling to Kinston, North Carolina to face off with the Down East Bird Dawgs again for a consecutive three game series. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m.
