NEWARK, NJ – August 12, 2007 – With the score tied at four heading into the ninth inning, the Newark Bears scored four runs off of Long Island Ducks’ closer Danny Graves for an 8-4 victory at Citibank Park on Sunday evening.  The Bears came from behind twice in the game to tie the score before the four run outburst secured the victory. 

The Bears had four consecutive RBI base-hits in the ninth inning rally, including back-to-back-to-back doubles.  Shortstop Donaldo Mendez doubled to right-centerfield to drive in left-fielder Marcus Nettles.  Centerfielder Keith Reed followed with an RBI double to centerfield and second baseman Javier Colina drilled one into the gap in right-center for a run-scoring double.  First baseman Victor Rodriguez singled to bring home Colina for the Bears eighth run.

The Bears jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning.  After Mendez doubled and Colina was hit by a pitch, Rodriguez hit an RBI single to centerfield to make it 1-0.  Third baseman Corey Smith followed with a base-hit up the middle to drive in Colina.

Long Island responded with three runs in the bottom of the third to go up 3-2.  Centerfielder Ray Navarette led off with a solo home run to left-center, his 12th of the year.  Run-scoring doubles by first baseman P.J. Rose and designated hitter Rob Cafiero put the Ducks ahead.

The Bears tied the game in the top of the sixth on an RBI single by designated hitter Joey Gomes that scored Smith.

Long Island took the lead right back in its half of the sixth on a bases loaded walk by left-fielder Carl Everett that forced in catcher Jamie Pogue.

Trailing 4-3 in the eighth, the Bears tied the game on a Rodriguez single to center that scored Colina.  Rodriguez finished the night 3-for-5 with three RBI and Colina went 2-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored.

Bears’ left-hander Steve Crampton picked up the win with three shutout innings in relief.  He allowed two hits and two walks, striking out one.  Reliever Edwin Almonte pitched a perfect ninth for the save.   

The Bears will play a makeup doubleheader against the Lancaster Barnstormers on Monday afternoon at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium with first pitch scheduled for 12:05 PM.

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Ed Clinton

Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club

www.newarkbears.com

1-866-55-4BEAR