WPCNR PRESS BOX. Special to WPCNR From Kristen Zimmerman. July 29, 2004: The NY/NJ Juggernaut defeated the Arizona Heat 2-0 in the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader at Montclair State University Softball Stadium behind a two-hit shutout by Amanda Scott. Scott pitched six innings, giving up no runs on two hits, one walk, and six strikeouts. Gina Oaks earned the save for the Nauts, giving up one hit and striking out two in the seventh inning. Scott moved to 10-6 on the season.

The NY/NJ Juggernaut (27-16) swept the twinbill with a 1-0 win in the nightcap for Kaci Clark.The only run of the game came in the fourth inning when catcher Germaine "G" Fairchild singled to left with two outs to score shortstop Lyndsey Klein. Klein led the inning off with a double to the left field fence.

The doubleheader, WPCNR has learned, marked the second debut of Juggernaut Owner, Paul Plemenos as Manager. Mr. Plemenos relieved Manager Dina DeAquino of her duties prior to the start of the doubleheader, and took over in the dugout. DeAquino had managed the Nauts to a 22-9 record since taking over June 13.

A two-run second inning would provide Juggernaut starter Amanda Scott with all the run support she would need. Centerfielder Venus Taylor singled to center with two outs to score catcher Courtney Scott for the first run of the game. Courtney Scott led the Juggernaut offensively, going 2-for-2
with a run scored. After stealing third, Taylor then scored the second and final run of the game on a basehit to right by third baseman Jaclyn Pasquerella.

The Nauts attempted to continue the scoring in the third but Arizona’s defense put an end to the bases loaded rally. Leftfielder Lauren Bauer and second baseman Carri Leto both singled and Heat starter Erica Beach hit right fielder Kellie Wilkerson with a pitch to load the bases with no outs.

Beach pitched six innings giving up two runs on eight hits, one walk, and three strikeouts. However a ground ball off the bat of shortstop Lyndsey Klein gave Arizona the first out of the inning at the plate.
Arizona then turned a double play off a line drive by designated player Lisa Iancin to end the inning. Leto was 2-for-3 on the night.

Nightcap gets the Nauts off the Houston Downer.

Germaine Fairchild led the Nauts offensively in Game Two going 2-for-2 with an RBI. Klein also had two hits, going 2-for-3 with a run scored and a double. The sweep turns the Nauts around after a rugged weekend in Houston, and two losses to the Thunder.

Juggernaut starter Kaci Clark kept the Heat scoreless in the finale, pitching seven full innings, giving up no runs on three hits, one walk, and nine strikeouts. Tarrah Beyster took the loss for Arizona, giving up one run on six hits, one walk, and one strikeout.

The Juggernaut now travel to New England for a three-game road trip, and will return home for a crucial three-game series against the first-place Akron Racers next week.