NEWARK, NJ – July 17, 2007 – The Newark Bears pounded out 17 hits en route to a 13-9 victory over the Bridgeport Bluefish on Tuesday night at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard.  Every Bears’ starter had at least one hit and the bullpen allowed just one run with ten strikeouts in six and two-thirds innings to preserve the victory.

After taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning, Newark sent 13 men to the plate in the top of the second as they built a 10-0 advantage.  Designated hitter Jose Herrera had two hits in the inning, a solo home run to lead off and an RBI single to cap the rally.  Second baseman Javier Colina added to the scoring with a two-run homer, his 17th of the season.  Centerfielder Marcus Nettles and right-fielder Keith Reed added run scoring singles, and shortstop Ramon Castro drove in a run on a groundout. 

The Bluefish answered with eight runs in the bottom of the third inning propelled by a three-run home run by first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke and a two-run single by right-fielder Bobby Malek.  This forced the Bears to go to their bullpen early.  Right-hander Jose Garcia (1-0) went three and two-thirds in a winning effort.  He allowed no runs on three hits and two walks, striking out five.  He handed the ball to righty reliever Edwin Almonte, who picked up his fifth save pitching the final three innings.  Almonte surrendered just one run on one hit and two walks with five strikeouts.

For the Bears, Colina went 2-for-3 with two walks and a sacrifice-fly.  He had the home run and three RBI.  Reed finished the night 3-for-6 with three runs scored, an RBI, and a stolen base.

Hoorelbeke led the Bridgeport attack going 3-for-4 with two home runs, his 14th and 15th of the year, and four RBI.

The Bears and Bluefish will play the rubber game of the three game series on Wednesday morning at 10:35 AM.  Right-hander Carlos Mirabal (6-4) will take the ball for the Bears.


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