PATERSON – The New Jersey Jackals continued their successful 2026 season as they took the victory against the New York Boulders in their home stadium of Hinchliffe in Paterson. Though both teams fought until the very end, the Jackals ultimately won 7-0.
Despite the Jackals normally sweeping most teams they come across, they appeared to truly meet their match as the sun set. The first half of the game was evenly matched, with both teams struggling to get a run. Nearly every batter on either side hit a foul ball, and both pitchers struck out before anyone could get on a base.
Throughout the initial innings, Jackals’ starting pitcher Ryan Velazquez showcased his strength and precision with fast balls that threw New York for a loop. However, the latter was not to be undermined – Boulders pitcher Riley Cooper had a monstrous arm that left the home team stunned many times throughout.
At the top of the fifth, it truly looked like a stalemate. Not a single run from either side had the crowd wondering if that was how the game was truly going to end, and both coaches were extremely concerned.
“I was just hoping Ryan kept pitching well,” head coach and manager Bobby M. Jones stated after the eventful game. “It was going to be a pitcher’s duel, that guy was really tough, and so we just wanted to fight until we got a chance.”
The match began to pick up at the bottom of the fifth, when left fielder Daunté Stuart led the way base by base. After a solid swing from catcher Gustavo Sosa, both players reached home plate to earn two runs for their team, putting them at the top. It was an excellent lead that would only grow as the game went on.
Though the top of the sixth ended quickly, the bottom is where the Jackals truly shined. Third baseman Martin Figueroa swung and earned the team’s first home run, and first baseman Felix Stevens followed right behind. It was at this point the gap expanded, and it became promising for the Paterson team.
Through the seventh and eighth innings, the Jackals sifted through a few new pitchers to showcase the group’s versatility and flexibility. It was at the top of the eighth that they got both Boulders players out at first and second before they could reach the bases, getting them closer and closer to the end. Center fielder DeAmez Ross finished the game by stealing second base and then proceeding to score from there. It was a hard fought match, but the Jackals proved their resolve in the end.
“It was a big win. I mean, at the end of the day, it’s a battle for first place,” Jones continued through the loud celebration in the locker room. “They just gotta be tough, continue to be what we are – we’ve been tough all year.”
The Jackals will host the Tri-City ValleyCats at their home stadium of Hinchliffe in Paterson once again on Friday, August 21 at 6:35 p.m.
