Dylan Broderick went 2-for-4 with a double for Tri-City (1-1). Ian Walters walked twice and singled before scoring on Brayden Jobert's first home tun of the season, a two-run shot, in the top of the seventh. Max Mandler added his first home run of the season driving in Parker Coddou in the top of the ninth.

Ben Smith, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 Frontier League Draft, made his ValleyCats debut in the bottom of the fifth. He gave up a hit and two runs, but struck out two and induced a double play in 2.1 innings of relief. Logan Jones struck out two in 1.2 innings of relief.

Tri-City starter Wes Albert went four innings striking out four with five hits and five runs.

New Jersey starter Billy Duby, a 2025 Frontier League All-Star, kept the ValleyCats in check through six scattering six hits and striking out one before the Jobert homer chased him in the top of the seventh.

Connor Maryniak was 2-for-2 with a double and reached base twice after being hit by a pitch for New Jersey. His two-run single in the bottom of the seventh gave the Jackals some breathing room late.

Felix Stevens knocked in two with a double followed by a two-run Daunte Stuart homer in the bottom of the third for the Jackals.

Tri-City finishes the season opening series at New Jersey tomorrow before traveling to Sussex County on Tuesday for a three-game set. The ValleyCats home opener is set for Friday, May 15 against Quebec.

Full Box Score