NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees began their four game road trip with a loss to the Worcester Bravehearts, 8-5.  The Bees took the lead to start the game, but Worcester immediately got in front and did not look back after.

In the top of the third inning with bases loaded, Christian Fagnant (Amherst College) grounded out to the shortstop but was able to drive in the first run of the game for New Britain.  The next batter, Griffin Arnone (Elon University), was able to collect an infield hit and also drive in a second run of the inning.  But the scoring didn’t stop there for the Bees as in the next at-bat, Arnone stole second base and a wild throw from Worcester’s catcher allowed Danniel Rivera (Southern New Hampshire) to score from third base.

Transitioning to the bottom of the fourth inning, the Bravehearts were able to score a few runs and tie the game.  The lead off batter, EJ Exposito (NYIT), started off things with a solo home run to cut the New Britain lead to two.  Shortly after with two outs in the inning, Joseph Pesce (NYIT) hit a two run home run of his own and this was just the beginning of the scoring spurt for Worcester.  The Bees would tack on one run in the top half of the fifth inning with an error by Worcester’s catcher, Ben Rice (Dartmouth College), but the Bravehearts would score four runs in the bottom half of the inning.  Danny Torres (Saint Leo University) hit a triple with two runners on base which gave the Bravehearts the lead.  Torres wouldn’t spend much time on the bases because the following batter, EJ Exposito, hit his second home run of the game.  All of a sudden, Worcester led New Britain, 7-4.

In the sixth inning, the Bees would use another error from the Bravehearts, this time to the first baseman Andrew Selima (Holy Cross) trying to throw out Ryan Bagdasarian (Eastern CT State University) stealing third base.  With the overthrow, Bagdasarian was able to get home and make the lead just three for Worcester.  The Bravehearts would add one more run to their total in the bottom half of the sixth inning, and that would be all the scoring from either team.

Alex Price (Middlebury College) got the start for New Britain tonight and after a few great starts this season, he hit a bump in the road against the Bravehearts.  Price threw only four innings allowing seven runs on seven hits with no walks and three strikeouts.  Macguire O’Sullivan (Assumption College) and Tommy Hughes (Southern CT State University) both came into relief for the Bees tonight allowing only one run on three total hits.

The Bravehearts started Shawn Babineau (Franklin Pierce) who pitched five innings, giving up five hits and four runs, along with three walks and six strikeouts.  Babineau in his fourth appearance finally received his first win of the season.  Will Hesslink (Boston College) walked away with his first save of the 2020 season.

The Bees drop to 3-8 on the season, while Worcester improves to 7-4.  New Britain continues their road trip Saturday night against the Brockton Rox.  The last time these teams faced off against each other on July 12, the Bees just came short of a crazy late game comeback, losing 12-9.  First pitch set for 5:00 p.m. from Campanelli 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.