The Sussex County Miners defeated the New Jersey Jackals 4-2 Sunday afternoon at the Historic Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson. In the final of a four-game set, they avoided a sweep. While the playoffs are no longer a thought, there are still games left to be played. Kellen Brothers started on the mound, facing off against New Jersey’s Noah Palmese.
The Miners got things going right away in the top of the first when the pitcher Palmese threw one past the catcher, letting Gabriel Maciel easily score from third. The Jackals didn’t even get an at-bat before the score was 1-0. Throughout the game, nobody seemed to have the edge. Whether it was dominant pitching or leaving runners in scoring position, neither team could get on the board.
New Jersey’s first run of the night came in the bottom of the seventh inning when Gustavo Sosa doubled on a line drive to center field, bringing in Issac Bellony. It was Bellony’s 66th RBI of the season, and the game was now tied and far from over. After leading all afternoon, Sussex County simply wasn’t going to give it up. They responded instantly, scoring three runs to take a bigger lead. A wild pitch from Andrew Peters brought in one, and a bases-clearing single for Hunter D’Amato added two more, and just like that it was 4-1.
With only one out remaining and their backs against the wall, New Jersey was hoping to get a bottom-of-the-ninth rally going when Martin Figueroa hit a one-run RBI single to left field. However, that was it: closer Parker Primeaux shut things down, striking out the next batter and ending the game. The Miners never gave up the lead and went on to win 4-2.
This was a feel-good win for Sussex County. While they don’t have the opportunity to compete in the playoffs, games like this help keep morale high heading into winter.
Despite the Miners’ hard-fought victory, it wasn’t the only highlight of the day. History was made in the bottom of the second when starting pitcher Kellen Brothers got his 123rd strikeout of the year, the most in a single season in team history. With only six games left in the season, he’s projected to have one more start, where he will continue to add to the record.
Above: Kellen Brothers (photo by Phil Hoops)