KOVATCH’S WALK-OFF SINGLE GIVES SURF SECOND STRAIGHT WIN, 2-1
July 6 Recap

Atlantic City, N.J. – CF Billy Kovatch (pictured) rapped a ninth-inning RBI single to bring home the game-winning run as the Atlantic City Surf defeated the New Jersey Jackals, 2-1, in a Can-Am League game on Sunday evening at Bernie Robbins Stadium.

The contest was marked by superb pitching on both sides. Atlantic City’s Adam Cox, who came into the game leading the league with 60 strikeouts, went eight innings, allowing one run on five hits while fanning 11. New Jersey’s Isaac Pavlik also went eight innings and gave up a run on five hits, striking out six. Neither pitcher received a decision, however; Kyle George (3-1) held the Jackals scoreless in the ninth and earned his second victory in as many nights, while New Jersey’s Rusty Tucker (2-2) picked up the loss.

The Jackals (23-20) drew first blood in the fourth when 1B Juan Tejeda walked and moved to third on 3B Chris Kelly’s single. DH Vic Davilla then brought Tejeda home with an RBI single for New Jersey’s only tally of the evening.

Atlantic City tied the game at one in the fifth inning. DH Eddie Kim and Kovatch led off the inning with back-to-back singles; after SS Anthony Granato fouled out, Kim moved to third when 2B Brad Thoma reached on a fielder’s choice. LF Joe Burke then struck out swinging, but Pavlik’s third-strike wild pitch eluded C Matt Lauderdale, and Kim scampered home, while Burke reached first.

The score stayed at 1-1 until the ninth, when Surf 3B Gil Zayas reached on a one-out single. Carter McQuigg came in to pinch-run for Zayas, and moved to second on a walk to Kim. Kovatch then laced a single to left to score McQuigg, for Atlantic City’s second consecutive victory over their in-state rivals.

Kovatch and New Jersey CF Zach Smithlin were the only players on either team with multiple-hit evenings, with Kovatch 2-for-3 and Smithlin 2-for-4 with a stolen base. All 13 of the game’s hits were singles.

The Surf (22-21) have a rare two-day break before starting their final series of the first half at Ottawa on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Brian Rodaway (4-3) will start in the series opener for Atlantic City.