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     Well folks, after a rough 0-3 start, the Lumberjacks broke into the win column with an impressive 6-1 win over the Plainfield Knights this Sunday.  Long Hill posted a 14-6 regular season record last year, but with many of the "Baby Jacks" still away finishing up their final weeks of college...Long Hill called on some old timers to make due in the eary goings.  Some of the original Lumberjacks like Joe Fusco and Artie Agostini were forced to come out of retirement to hold the team over until the young guns showed up.  During this time, GM Jeff Dealaman came just short of pulling guys off the street to make a 9 man lineup (actually 10 being that Artie had a "no batting" clause in his contract).  Even the coaching staff...Tony Cassera, Ron Zampella, and 2004 MVP Mike Lunardoni laced their cleats and helped round out the lineup over the course of the 1st few games.  Unfortunately, with the absense of several every day starters and a very tough opening schedule (Philles, Cardinals, and Senators) the Jacks fell behind in the AA South division.  But with the return of all but 1 of the college cuties this weekend, Long Hill looked like the team they were a year ago.  Matt Eckhardt went the full 9, giving up just 1 run and striking out 8.  Sean Devine lead the game off with a double and came around to score.  In the 3rd, after Sean Devine reached base with 1 out, Jeff D'Nunzio singled, and Brian Cassera doubled to Drive in Devine.  Dan Lupo than singled to to clear the bases and give the Jacks a 4-0 lead.  In the 5th, both Spenser Brenn and Dan Lupo had RBI doubles and Long Hill had a 6 run lead.  Pete Riccio defied age by putting his jersey back on and the old man managed to reach base twice in the ball game.  Cody and Brian Ross swung the bats well in their first game back. Chris Costa also had a nice performance reaching base twice and showing off his arm in centerfield.  Chris had 2 assists including a fielder's choice at 2nd base.  The Lumberjacks are now 1-3 and play a doubleheader next Sunday against the Liberty Athletics.  

The Long Hill Lumberjacks finally broke into the win column against the Knights last week and kept the momentum going this Sunday as they beat the Liberty A's on the road....but it wasn't easy.  "Meatloaf" Matty Eckhardt started for the Jacks but didn't have his best stuff.  He worked in and out of trouble for 6 innings but still managed to keep Long Hill in the game.  Chris Costa had 2 RBI singles which turned out to be Long Hill's only offense until the 7th inning.  In the 7th,  Costa lead off with a walk.  Sean Devine followed and the Lumberjacks were in business.  Brian Cassera ended his beanless streak by wearing one to load the bases.  With 2 outs Adam Rivera hit a sharp groundball towards the hole.  The Liberty shortstop made a great diving stop, but had no play and it was 5-3.  Dan Lupo then reached on a huge error and suddenly the wheels fell off the bus for the A's.  Long Hill then put together a string of hits and then started getting hit.  The A's went to the bullpen once they had squandered the lead.  The hard throwing righthander didn't have his control.  Jeff Dealaman and Jeff D'Nunnzio were both gunned down execution style before the A's made another call to the bullpen.  Brian Cassera then put an end to the station to station Nintendo baseball by clearing the bases with a 3-run double and then scored on a Spenser Brenn RBI double.  The Jacks had a 13-5 lead after 6 1/2 innings and added 2 more in 9th.  Brian Ross had a multi-hit game and again was brilliant behind the plate.  Ross made a circus catch in the 5th to help get his team out of a jam.  Mike Lunardoni now has his team starting to roll.  Long Hill will try to keep it going next Sunday when they play host to the Momouth County Thunder.