Boulders Return to Rockland This Week

BY STEVE BALSAN

With less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Boulders return home from their longest road trip of the season well within striking distance of a CanAm League playoff berth. The Boulders played tough, playoff-style baseball in each of their 10 games on the trip and now they look to carry that momentum into the biggest series in franchise history.

The New Jersey Jackals pay their final visit to Provident Bank Park this season, holding a narrow lead over Rockland for second place. The Boulders are 5-2 at home against the Jackals this season and look to close the gap heading into the campaign's final week.

Friday starts things off with a 5:00 double-header, necessitated by a rain out originally scheduled at New Jersey on July 31. Because the teams had no further games scheduled in Little Falls, the contest shifted to a home game for Rockland. It's also "Blue Out" night at PBP, with fans encouraged to wear their Boulder Blue and the first 1,000 in attendance will receive blue rally towels, courtesy of Nelson Metals. It's Boulder Bash Friday, which means $1 beer as well as a $3 Blue Moon special at select locations. And after the game, stick around for the music of the Ronald Regans in the Coors Light Bridge Bar.

Saturday's single game starts at 6:30 but also promises to be an action-packed evening. It's Disco Night at the Park, with the festivities ending with a post-game Fireworks Extravaganza followed by a live performance from Johnny and the Alimonies in the Bridge Bar.

As always, Sunday is Family Day at the Park, with kids 14-and-under invited to run the bases after the game, presented by Stop and Shop and Sports Authority. The first 500 kids in attendance will receive a growth chart, and the first 500 "adults" receive a Boulders key chain.

And the series wraps up with a Monday night showdown starting at 7:00, with kids under 12 eating free, with each receiving a voucher for a hot dog, chips and drink.

The Boulders will then take their act on the road for a four-game series (and potential playoff preview) at Quebec, before returning home for their final series of the regular season, August 31-September 2 against the Newark Bears.