NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees finished off their two game home stand with a loss to the Westfield Starfires, 6-4, in a very back and forth contest.  The Bees would take the lead, and then the Starfires would tie it immediately after, but in the eighth inning was when Westfield took control and sealed the victory.

The Bees tacked on two early runs in the bottom of the first and the dugout was full of energy.  With two outs and runners on second and first, Tony Socci (Fairleigh Dickinson) was able to smack a ball all the way to the left field corner and this allowed both runners to score.  Shortly after in the following half inning for Westfield, Ramon Jimenez (Boston College) started things off with a triple, and then was brought home by Eric Callahan (Millersville University) who hit a single into centerfield.

Moving into the fifth inning, both teams would tack on a run each, first the Starfires when Mark Coley (University of Rhode Island) hit a deep solo home run to tie the game.  This was Coley’s third home run of the early season.  The Bees would answer right back with runners on second and third base, Danniel Rivera (Southern New Hampshire) would ground out to the shortstop but allow Tyshaun Diaz (Southern CT State University) to score.  Diaz had not been in the lineup as of recently since he was seeing appearances in the bullpen, but in this game made his impact felt as a position player.

The sixth inning was a similar instance with both teams each adding one more run to the score.  Braydon Seaburg (Quinnipiac University) hit a single to center fielder to bring home Anthony Purrino (Sacred Heart University) easily from third base.  The bottom of the sixth inning saw Andrew Cain (University of New Haven) extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a double hit to the right field wall, and after advancing to third base was able to score by Mike Caruso (Fairfield University) grounding out.

That would be all the scoring for New Britain.  Braydon Seaburg tallied another RBI in the top of the eighth inning with a single to right field and drove home the tying run for Westfield.  The next batter, Mark Coley, hit a deep sacrifice fly to left field and gave Johnny Tuccillo (Stony Brook University) enough time to tag and score, giving the Starfires a 5-4 lead.  They would add one more run in the top of the ninth and win their fifth game of the season.

After a few relief appearances, Josh Vincent (Eastern CT State University), got the start for New Britain tonight.  Vincent pitched five innings giving up two runs on eight hits, along with no walks and nine strikeouts.  Yanni Orfanidis (St. Thomas Aquinas) received the loss after pitching three innings and allowing three runs on four hits.  Brad Lombardi (Boston College) also pitched in the ninth inning.

The Starfires started Anthony Redfern (Georgetown University) who pitched four innings, giving up two hits and two runs, along with two walks and five strikeouts.  Alec Baker (Dallas Baptist) received the win for Westfield after he came into the game in the sixth inning, allowing one run with three strikeouts.  The save went to designated hitter Reggie Crawford (UConn) who entered the game and threw two shutout innings.

The Bees begin a four game road trip Friday night against the first place Worcester Bravehearts.  The last time these teams faced off against each other on July 11, the first home run derby of the 2020 Futures League season happened with Worcester coming on top.  First pitch set for 6:00 p.m. from Doyle Field.

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.