NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees returned home for another game filled with drama and were unable to walk away with a victory, losing to the Nashua Silver Knights, 5-4.

The Silver Knights were able to get on the board first tonight in the top of the third inning when Troy Schreffler Jr. (University of Maryland) hit a deep ball that was caught in right field, but gave Lucas Stalman (Boston College) enough time to get home and record the sacrifice fly.  That lead would soon be diminished in the bottom half of the fourth inning when Andrew Cain (University of New Haven) hit a bomb off the right field wall and brought home Noah Martinez (Central CT State University) all the way from first base to tie the game.  Cain would then score in the next at bat when David Howarth (Northeastern University) got on base with a single to centerfield.

Moving into the fifth inning, both teams would tack on a run each, first the Silver Knights when Nick Shumski (Merrimack College) singled to left field and brought home the tying run in Lucas Stalman.  The Bees would answer back with a wild pitch that got away from Nashua catcher, Jack Arend (Nichols College) and allow Matthew Bertochi (Central CT State University) to advance home.  The Bees then led the Silver Knights 3-2 at the end of the fifth inning.

The score would remain the same until the top of the ninth when Lucas Stalman, in the first at bat of the inning, hit a solo home run to left field and tied the ballgame.  Only a few batters later with two outs, Mike Rounds (UMass) hit a double into right field and scored two more runs to give the Silver Knights a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth.

The Bees led off with Bertochi getting on base by a walk, and then loaded the bases with only one out.  Andrew Cain was then hit by a pitch to collect a painful RBI and bring New Britain within one run.  But the Bees couldn’t bring home the tying run as Nashua pitcher Steven Miller (Penn State) was able to strike out both Mike Caruso (Fairfield University) and Tony Socci (Fairleigh Dickinson) to end the game.

New Britain’s starting pitcher, Brendan Kirck (Springfield College), had just been signed a few days back and got the start ahead of tonight’s matchup.  Kirck pitched five innings giving up two runs on five hits, along with three walks and two strikeouts.  Kyle Menaker (University At Albany) and Tyshaun Diaz (Southern CT State) both came into the game and gave up no runs through three innings until Ben Talbot (Holy Cross) came into relief and allowed three runs in the top of the ninth inning, receiving the loss.

The Silver Knights started Josh Roberge (Franklin Pierce University) who pitched five innings, giving up four hits and three runs, along with two walks and eight strikeouts.  Nashua pitched four other players throughout the game including Nick Guarino (Clark University) who picked up the win and Steven Miller who recorded the save.

The Bees will be back in action tomorrow night for the second of a two game home stand against the Westfield Starfires.  In the previous matchup back on July 9, New Britain took complete control of Westfield defeating the Starfires, 15-6.  First pitch set for 6:35 p.m. Click Here For Tickets.

About the New Britain Bees

The New Britain Bees are members of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League and play their home games at New Britain Stadium. For information on tickets packages, group outings and sponsorships call 860-826-BEES (2337) or visit NBBees.com.

About the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL)

The FCBL is made up of seven teams from various parts of New England, each of which plays 28 home games and 28 away games. Each franchise is made up of elite collegiate athletes competing in a minor league style format.  Each franchise provides high quality, affordable entertainment, in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. At least 50% of the players on each team must be from New England or attend college in New England. For further information, visit www.thefuturesleague.com.