NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees traveled to Westfield for a doubleheader with the Starfires on Sunday and both games were given some drama.  The first game ended in the last round of a home run derby with the Bees coming on top thanks to Tony Socci (Fairleigh Dickinson) who participated in all three rounds for New Britain.  In the second game, the Starfires used four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat the Bees.

Starting in the first game, Ramon Jimenez (Boston College) got things going when he hit a solo home run to give the Starfires a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning.  The Bees wasted no time getting right back at the Starfires with a home run of their own, a two run shot from Kyle Brennan to take the lead in the top of the sixth inning.  This was Brennan’s first home run of the season and there would be plenty of long balls hit later on.

The Starfires were able to score two runs in the bottom half of the sixth inning by a Drew DeMartino (University of Hartford) single to left field and Andre Marrero (Quinnipiac University) hitting a sacrifice fly to right field.  In the Futures League, doubleheaders consist of seven inning games, so the Bees had one last shot to tie the game in the top of the seventh.  And they did just that using a passed ball to score Danniel Rivera (Southern New Hampshire) from third base and bring in the game tying run.  They played one extra inning in the eighth with neither team scoring, meaning we had a home run derby on our hands.

This was the second home run derby of the season for the Bees, and this one lasted much longer, having to use all three rounds to declare a winner.  Tony Socci totalled seven home runs in the first round, which would be tied by Mark Coley (University of Rhode Island).  He then hit only one home run in the second round and the Starfires were also only able to match that number.  Finally, Coley hit three home runs in the final round to none from Westfield, giving the Bees the victory in this ballgame. 

Moving to the second game of the day, it was back and forth to start things off with the Bees first getting on the board by another passed ball that allowed Danniel Rivera to score from third.  The Starfires struck back with a run of their own by another Ramon Jimenez home run, his second of the day, to tie the game at one at the end of the second inning.

Another passed ball in the top of the fourth inning brought home a second run for the Bees, this time Ryan Bagdasarian (Eastern CT State University) who advanced from third base.  In the bottom of the sixth inning, Devin Kellogg (University of Hartford) connected on a line drive past the shortstop to tie the game at two.  That would be just the start of a four run inning for Westfield as they tacked on three more runs to close out New Britain and win the second game.  Alex Gomes (Southern New Hampshire) earned his first win of the season for the Starfires while Ben Talbot (Holy Cross) received his second loss after giving up all four runs in the sixth.

The Bees now stand at 6-13 on the season, while the Starfires remain under .500 as well at 9-10.  New Britain travels to Brockton on Tuesday for another doubleheader due to the postponed game back on July 23.  The first game is scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m. with the second game beginning at 5:00 p.m.

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.