The crowds were sparse at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Friday (announced attendance of 569), as the game got underway just shortly after 11 a.m. on a Friday work/school day. Nevertheless, the competitive atmosphere was there as the Bears fought right out of the gate for their first win since joining the Can-Am League. Both Jacob Wild (Newark) and Roger Lincoln (Rockland) put up matching zeros through the first two innings. In the third inning, Newark's Wild surrendered a towering three-run home run to Rockland lead-off hitter, Jermel Lomack.

In the sixth inning, Rockland catcher Todd Jennings plated another run on a double to make the score 4-0, but the Bears weren't out of it just yet. Newly acquired (or should I say reacquired) infielder Jeff Toth smacked a single that scored a pair of runs for Newark in the seventh. In his next at-bat in the ninth inning, Toth crushed a solo home run to bring the game within a run. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get the Bears on top and the game ended after a Brandon Watson ground-out.

The Bears look to avoid the sweep and collect their first win of the season when they conclude the series against Rockland tomorrow night at 6:35 p.m. which also happens to be Fireworks Night at the ballpark.

Jacob Wild started Game 2 of the season for the Newark Bears. Credit: Phil Hoops

Dustin Smith, the son of Hall-of-Famer Ozzie Smith, collects a base hit for the Boulders. Credit: Phil Hoops

Former Indians prospect Roger Lincoln was dominant allowing only one run in seven innings pitched against Newark. Credit: Phil Hoops

Infielder Jeff Toth made his Bears debut on Friday morning. Credit: Phil Hoops