Newark Bears right fielder Danny Santiesteban crosses home plate after his first of two home runs. Credit: Phil Hoops

After splitting the series with Quebec, the Newark Bears looked to win the rubber game Saturday on Fireworks night. There were certainly fireworks, as the game turned out to be a bit of a nail-biter. The Bears held a 3-2 lead for much of the game thanks to two home runs from right-fielder Danny Santiesteban. In the eighth inning though the lead disappeared after reliever T.J. Hose surrendered three runs to give Quebec a 5-3 advantage.

In the bottom of the inning, the Bears tried to come back after a towering solo home run from first baseman Daryle Ward. In the ninth inning, catcher Billy Alvino tried to get another rally started with a single. Unfortunately, shortstop Juan Martinez was unable to drive him in and was retired for the final out of the game. Nevertheless, the fans went home happy after a post-game fireworks show to cap off the evening.

The Bears begin a new series tomorrow afternoon at the Den when they face the Worcester Tornadoes. Those with ticket stubs from Saturday's game (July 16) will be able to get free admission to Sunday's contest by presenting them at the ticket window. Pretty cool move...hopefully it translates into more seats being filled on Sunday.

Also of note, Bears PA announcer John Patterson reminded fans that Saturday also happened to be the 12th anniversary of Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

Flickr photo galleries of both Friday and Saturday's games will be posted at some point over the next week. Until then, enjoy video footage as the Bears attempted to rally back against the first place Quebec Capitales. For those of you with faster internet connections be sure to set it to 'HD Mode' for a clearer picture.

6th Inning:

7th Inning:

8th Inning:

9th Inning: