NJ Bulldogs News > NEWS

The NJ Bulldogs opened up their spring season, hosts to the Essex Bellnuts at William Warren Park in Woodbridge, NJ. Jesse Boles, Milton Rodriguez, Eddie Rosado and Billy Van Iderstine were all late scratches for the dogs, however their offense/pitching apparently wasnt needed. Tim Franklin (1-0) took the mound for the dogs, and was poised and in control early. He kept the ball low, was around the strikezone all day, and the defense made some great plays behind him. The Bellnuts scored early, on a few base hits in the 4th, manufacturing 2 runs. In the bottom of the frame, the Bulldogs would answer. With the bases juiced, first baseman Bret Santucci sent the first pitch he saw over the center field fence. Santucci put the dogs ahead, and was the jolt they needed to ignite the offense. Santucci would finish the day 3-5, with 6 RBI. On the hill, Franklin would go 6 strong, allowing 4 earned runs and 2 unearned. Rookie James O'Hanlon had a great debut in the royal blue, going 3-5 with a solo shot to left. He also relieved Tim on the mound, and threw 3 scoreless innings of relief for the save. To complete the trifecta of homers, Ayad Shuaib hit a rocket over the right field fence. Shuaib finished the day 2-4. All together the team amassed 14 hits, only 6 for extra bases. It was a team effort, and a gutsy performance for the team. The Bulldogs got a mercy ruling in the bottom of the 8th. Final from Woodbridge, Bulldogs 16 Bellnuts 6. More to come...