NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees snapped their six game losing streak with an impressive performance over the Brockton Rox tonight, 14-0 in a game where five New Britain batters had two or more hits.  There were worries all day that rain would be a factor in tonight’s matchup, but aside from some drizzle throughout the game, the Bees and Rox were able to play a full nine innings.

The Bees started things off in the bottom of the third inning when Danniel Rivera (Southern New Hampshire) got on base with a double and did not spend much time on the basepath.  The next batter, Mike Caruso (Fairfield University), smacked a double to right field and brought home Rivera for the first run of the day.  Caruso, as well, spent very little time on the bases when Noah Martinez stepped up to the plate and hit a 425 bomb to centerfield for his first home run of the season.  New Britain led 3-0 after three innings.

The fifth inning saw one more run in for New Britain when Danniel Rivera hit a single to left field and drove in Kyle Brennan (Endicott College) from third base.  The Bees then led by four runs but extended their lead in the seventh inning when Mike Caruso hit a two run shot off the light pole in center field, his first home run of the season, to give the Bees a 6-0 lead. 

Yes, the Bees could have finished off the game with a six run lead and be happy to snap that losing streak.  There were other plans in store for the eighth inning.

With runners on second and third base and no outs, Kyle Brennan hit a single into right field and was able to bring one runner home to give the Bees a 7-0 lead.  The next batter, Danniel Rivera, hit a slow grounder to shortstop and was able to beat out the throw while also driving in the second run of the inning.  Mike Caruso then stepped up to bat with already three hits on the day and brought in another run with a single into left field.  The next few batters resulted in a walk and two outs but the Bees were not close to being done with scoring.  Derek Tenney (University of Hartford) was able to reach first base by an error from Brockton’s third baseman Buddy Dewaine (Central CT State University) when he threw it way over the first baseman’s head.  The overthrow allowed Noah Martinez to score from third base and extend the New Britain lead to 11.  Todd Petersen (UConn) was able to collect two hits in the eighth inning alone, his second a slow chopper to third base that gave him enough time to get to first safely and drive in the sixth run of the inning.  Finally, Kyle Brennan hit his second single of the inning to bring home two more runs and put the exclamation mark on New Britain's victory. 

Brendan Kirck (Springfield College) made his second start as a member of the Bees and did not disappoint.  Kirck picked up his first win of the season throwing six innings and giving up only two hits with no runs, and striking out three batters.  Yanni Orfanidis (St. Thomas Aquinas), Macguire O’Sullivan (Assumption University) and Ben Talbot (Holy Cross) each pitched an inning in relief to close the gates on Brockton.

The Rox started Will Greer (Bucknell University) who pitched five innings but gave up four runs on seven hits.  Brendan Kelly (Stonehill College) was hit the hardest for Brockton giving up all eight runs in the bottom of the eighth and not being able to record all three outs.

The Bees improve to 4-11 on the season, and the Rox fall back to .500 at 7-7.  New Britain travels to Brockton tomorrow for the second of a three game series with the Rox.  First pitch set for 5:00 p.m. from Campanelli Stadium.

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.