NEWARK, NJ – July 5, 2007 – Starting pitchers Bobby Brownlie (7-3) and Carlos Mirabal (6-3) allowed just two runs in 12 combined innings to lead the Newark Bears to a doubleheader sweep of the Bridgeport Bluefish on Thursday at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard.  The Bears won both games 7-1 and moved within one-and-a-half games of the division leading Bluefish with three remaining in the first half of the season.

In game one, Brownlie allowed one run on four hits in five innings of work.  He struck out three and walked none.  Reliever Justin Huisman pitched the final two innings for his second save. 

The Bears took a 2-1 lead into the top of the fourth inning and added to it on a two out RBI single by centerfielder Marcus Nettles.  After advancing to third, Nettles came around to score on a wild pitch with right-fielder Keith Reed at the plate.  Nettles finished the first game 2-for-5 with an RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base.  Newark put the game away late with three insurance runs in the top of the seventh.  The big hit was a two RBI double by designated hitter Joey Gomes. 

The Bluefish’s lone run came on a solo home run by first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke in the bottom of the second.  Left-handed starter Justin Sturge (6-4) took the loss.  In five and one-third innings he allowed four runs on seven hits and four walks with five strikeouts.

Game two was more of the same as Mirabal pitched a complete game, surrendering one run on seven hits and a walk, striking out four.  His counterpart Eric Junge (1-2) gave up three runs in the fourth inning before being ejected.   

The Bears sent 10 men to the plate in the top of the fourth inning, with eight consecutive batters reaching base safely.  Reed knocked in a run with an RBI single followed by a two RBI triple by second baseman Javier Colina.  Gomes and left-fielder Joe Jiannetti added run-scoring singles before catcher John Pachot hit an RBI groundout for the sixth run.

The Bears will begin their final series of the first half on Friday night against the Long Island Ducks at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium.  Right-hander Delvis Pacheco (3-1) will take the mound for the Bears.  Gates open at 6:05 PM with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PM.

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