Hempstead, NY – Jodie Cox had the game winning hit and came on in relief to earn the win for the NY Juggernaut. The Juggernaut offense totaled 11 hits on the day to come from behind against the Venezuelan National Team in the 2005 season opener at Hofstra University Softball Stadium. Cox had three hits and Trena Peel and Jackie Pasquerella each notched two hits to lead the Juggernaut past Venezuela. Cox relieved starter Auburn Sigurdson in the 7th inning with one out, to shut the door and earn the win for the Juggernaut.

Trena Peel started the Juggernaut offense in the bottom of the first inning off Venezuela starter Mariange Bogado. Peel smashed a two-out triple off the centerfield fence, but was stranded at third when Bogado forced Cox into a groundout to the pitcher. Venezuela got on the board first thanks to a two-run second inning. Zuleima Cremelle started off the inning with a single to centerfield, surrendered by Juggernaut starter Auburn Sigurdson. A sacrifice bunt by Mairet Perez moved Cremelle into scoring position at second base. With two outs and a runner on, Maria Soto hit a two-run homerun over the left field fence.

Venezuela added to their lead in the third inning when the first batter singled, the second was hit by a pitch, and a crucial Juggernaut error scored the runner from second base. With a runner on second and third, Sigurdson was able to get Cremelle to hit into a fielder’s choice with catcher Ryan Realmuto applying the tag to Maribel Riera at the plate. Sigurdson induced a groundout to third to end the inning.

The Juggernaut threatened in the bottom of the third inning with two outs. Carri Leto singled to left field and advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Peel added another base runner with a two out walk. However, Bogado struck out Cox to end the inning. Venezuela started their own rally in the sixth inning with two outs. Ruby Rojas singled to left field, followed by a walk to Maria Soto to put runners on at first and second. A lineout to Kim Ogee ended the inning.

The Juggernaut tied the score in the sixth inning. Three singles, by Peel, Cox and Alicia Smith, loaded the bases. Pinch hitter Laura Taylor singled through the left side to put the first run on the board for the Juggernaut, but pinch runner Alison Higgs was tagged out at third base on the play. With one out and runners at first and second, Ogee walked to load the bases again. Realmuto cut the lead to one with an RBI single of her own. The Juggernaut tied the game thanks to a Venezuela error. A Jackie Pasquerella grounder forced Peaches James out at the plate, but a double play attempt got away at first base allowing Ogee to score from second to tie the score at three.

The Juggernaut threatened again in the bottom of the seventh inning. Cox tallied her second hit of the day with a double to left field with one out. After an intentional walk of Smith, James walked to load the bases. But the Juggernaut stranded all three runners, as they were unable to score.

After going into extra innings, Cox shut the door in the circle and provided an RBI single to score Pasquerella from second to end the game. Pasquerella started the inning with a single and moved to second on a grounder to the shortshop, by Juggernaut Natasha Watley. Leto was then hit by a pitch to put a runner on first. With two outs, Cox came up with the clutch RBI single to centerfield for the game winning run. In 6.1 innings pitched, starter Auburn Sigurdson struck out five, while allowing three runs. Cox pitched 1.2 innings in relief to earn the win for the Juggernaut.

The NY Juggernaut continues their opening series against Venezuela Friday night at 7 p.m. at Hofstra University Softball Stadium. Tickets to the opening series remain at just $5. Come out to the stadium for a fun time for all. Probable starter for the NY Juggernaut is right hander, Peaches James. For more information on the New York Juggernaut, or for tickets, please call 631-385-1634 or visit the Juggernaut online at www.nynjjuggernaut.com.

Media Contacts:
Jen Carlo
Assistant General Manager
carlo@nynjjuggernaut.com
631-385-1634

Shannon Logan
Media Relations Intern
Shannon@nynjjuggernaut.com