NEWARK, NJ – August 22, 2006 – Newark Bears starter Joe Gannon (6-7) struck out eight batters allowing only three runs on five hits in 8 1/3 innings to pick up a 6-3 victory over the Road Warriors Tuesday evening at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. With the win, the Bears snap their five-game losing streak and improved their record to 15-19.
 The first 1,500 fans in the stadium will receive a FREE back pack presented by eMazzanti Technologies  |
The Bears gave Gannon a three-run lead in the bottom of the first inning which started when third baseman Victor Rodriguez drew a bases loaded walk for his 21st RBI since joining the Bears on July 28. Two batters later left-fielder Al Benjamin hit an RBI single, and Victor Valencia drove in the final run of the inning when his fielder’s choice ground out scored first baseman Alexis Hernandez.
The Bears added two more run to take a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning with solo home runs by center-fielder Anthony Sanders and second baseman Matt Brunson. It was the third home run of the season for Sanders, and the second for Brunson.
Road Warriors first baseman Mike Huggins cut the lead to 5-1 with his 13th home run of the season in the top of the sixth, but the Bears came back in the bottom half of the inning when Brunson scored on a throwing error by shortstop Derek Barrows.
After the Road Warriors scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning, Bears closer Joey Cole struck out the final two batters to pick up his Atlantic League leading 19th save of the season.
Brunson ended the game going 2-for-4 with a double, home run, three runs scored and one RBI, while Rodriguez went 2-for-2 with two doubles, his 13th and 14th of the season and a RBI. Huggins led the Road Warriors with two hits including a home run, two runs scored, and one RBI.
Chris Steinborn (1-5) took the loss for the Road Warriors after allowing five runs on five hits in four innings pitched.
The Bears and Road Warriors will play game two of the three-game series Wednesday evening at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm. The first 1,500 fans in the stadium will receive a FREE back pack presented by eMazzanti Technologies. It is also Wear it! Win it! Wednesdays at The Den featuring $1 off a box seat for all fans who wear Bears apparel to the box office. If the Bears win, all fans may redeem their tickets for a future 2006 Bears home game.