Tim Raines Jr. led the Bears offense with two home runs and 6 RBI. Credit: Phil Hoops

The Newark Bears picked up their very first win in the Can-Am League with an offense assault on the Rockland Boulders. Tim Raines Jr. led the charge with two home runs and 6 RBI. Todd Gossage also had a big day at the plate driving in three runs.

Ryan Lobban started the game for Newark and opposed Jonathan Velasquez. Lobban held his own by surrendering 3 runs through 5 innings pitched while striking out two.

It was the bottom half of the order who got Rockland on the scoreboard with runs driven in by Tommy Giles, Mark Hill and Eric Flynn. Former Newark catcher started his third straight game and went 3-for-4 to raise his season average to .385.

Relievers T.J. Hose and Andrew Pluta combined to pitch four innings of one run ball.

It was quite the game and the game drew a fairly impressive crowd considering a fair amount of people in North Jersey had already bolted for the Jersey Shore for the Memorial Day Weekend. The Bears finish out the homestand tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 p.m. when they officially launch their "friendly" rivalry against the New Jersey Jackals.

Rockland's Norm Hutchins takes out Newark shortstop Jeff Toth on a slide. Credit: Phil Hoops

Brian Nichols mans first base for the Bears. Credit: Phil Hoops

Newark Bears starter Ryan Lobban allowed three runs in five innings pitched. Credit: Phil Hoops

Newark Bears catcher Billy Alvino had three hits to raise his season average to .727. Credit: Phil Hoops