Haynes’ HR Lifts Skunks To 4th Win In A Row
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. — Jakob Haynes’ three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning capped a five-run rally and propelled Jamestown to a 10-9 victory over Niagara in a Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League contest at George Taylor Field on Tuesday.
The blast was part of a four-hit outing for Haynes. He also smacked a double and collected four RBIs, helping the Tarp Skunks (14-10) capture their fourth straight win. They are now two games back of first-place Niagara Falls in the West Division.
Gowanda native Blake Herman, who was in the starting lineup at third base, and Ty Lagoni both added two hits for Jamestown, which trailed 8-5 after seven innings before the rally against the last-place Ironbacks (3-19). Losing pitcher Eli Thompson surrendered five runs on four hits, a walk and a hit batter in the ninth.
Will Taylor (3-0), one of five Tarp Skunks pitchers, was the winner and Warren, Pennsylvania native Brady Berdine worked the ninth inning for his second save.
Marcus Butts, Brock Grainger and Andrew Bishop smacked two hits apiece for Niagara.
The Tarp Skunks are off tonight, but will entertain Niagara on Thursday on Fireworks Night. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.
NOTES: Jamestown starting pitcher Christian Pencek was named the West Division Pitcher of the Week after throwing the first no-hitter in Tarp Skunks history on Sunday. In seven shutout innings in Jamestown’s 4-0 win over Auburn, Pencek didn’t issue a walk, and came just an error and a hit batter away from throwing a perfect game. This is the second Pitcher of the Week accolade for Pencek, who has been one of the best pitchers in the league through the first month. He has a 2.35 ERA through 23 innings pitched and a 0.91 WHIP with a 2-1 record in five appearances. Pencek was named Pitcher of the Week in Week 2 as well.