Jeroloman still in hospital after collision

Harrisburg catcher Brian Jeroloman remains in an Erie, Pa., hospital two days after a vicious collision at home plate Wednesday night.

Jeroloman suffered a cut under his chin and was checked for a ruptured esophagus, which would have required surgery. That was ruled out, according to Senators broadcaster Terry Byrom, but Jeroloman continues to undergo tests.

Harrisburg, the Washington Nationals' Double-A affiliate, opened its best-of-5 Eastern League semifinal series against host Erie on Wednesday. With a man on third, one out and the score tied, 3-3, in the seventh inning, the Senators brought the infield in.

Erie's Jamie Johnson grounded softly to Senators second baseman Rick Hague. Hague threw home just before the runner from third, Brandon Douglas, barreled into Jeroloman. The ball was jarred loose by the impact, allowing a dazed Douglas to crawl back to the plate to score the run.

Jeroloman remained on the ground for several minutes and was ultimately carted off the field and taken to Erie's St. Vincent Hospital, where he is listed in good condition.

"That was a pretty good hit at the plate, a clean play," Harrisburg manager Matt LeCroy told the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

The Senators placed Jeroloman on the disabled list on Thursday and called up catcher Cole Leonida from Class A Advanced Potomac.

A 28-year-old University of Florida product, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Jeroloman joined the Senators in July after stints with Triple-A Indianapolis and Syracuse earlier in the season. He was selected by the Blue Jays in the sixth round of the 2006 Draft and was named an Eastern League midseason All-Star in three straight seasons from 2008-10.

Douglas, also 28, is listed at 6-feet and 200 pounds.

Harrisburg rallied to edge Erie, 5-4, in Wednesday's game, but the SeaWolves evened the series with a 2-1, walk-off win Thursday. The series shifts to Harrisburg for Game 3 on Friday night.