NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees finally make it a “winning streak” after defeating the Westfield Starfires on Friday night.  The Bees got out to an early lead and after Westfield stormed back to tie the game, New Britain regained control and continued to shut down the Starfires.

The Bees were first to score tonight in the top of the second inning when Derek Tenney (University of Hartford) grounded a ball to shortstop for a fielder’s choice, now leading 1-0 over Westfield.  They extended that lead a few batters later when Matt Donlan (Stonehill College) in his second ever start with the Bees connected on a ball for a two run home run, giving New Britain a 3-0 lead over Westfield.

The Starfires began to slowly crawl back into this game in the bottom of the third inning when Braydon Seaburg (Quinnipiac University) advanced home off a wild pitch to score the first Westfield run of the game.  They also used a bases loaded walk to cut the Bees lead to just one.  Moving to the bottom of the fifth inning, Eric Callahan (Millersville University) hit a single with the bases loaded to tie the game at three.

The Bees then used a four run sixth inning to put the finishing touches on the Starfires.  Derek Tenney hit another ground ball where the Westfield third baseman made an error, allowing Griffin Arnone (Elon University) to score and give the lead back to New Britain.  Matt Donlan, who had his first home run earlier on, smacked a double into the gap in the outfield to bring another run in for the Bees.  And they weren’t done there.  Ryan Bagdasarian (Eastern CT State University) hit a single into the outfield which scored two runs and gave the Bees a comfortable 7-3 lead over Westfield.  The Starfires would add two runs in the bottom half of the seventh inning thanks to a Michael DeMartino (Southern CT State University) home run, but the comeback attempt would eventually end there.

The Bees started Alex Price (Middlebury College) who pitched 4.1 innings, giving up five hits and three runs, while also striking out nine batters.  Brad Lombardi (Boston College), Kyle Menaker (University at Albany) and Ben Talbot (Holy Cross) also saw action on the mound with Lombardi recording the win and Talbot recording his first save of the season with New Britain.

The Bravehearts started Chase Jeter (Sacred Heart University) who pitched 5.1 innings and gave up five runs on three hits, and also struck out seven hitters.  Two other players also pitched for Westfield tonight.

The Bees win their third straight game and improve to 9-15 on the season, while the Starfires drop to 9-13.  New Britain returns back to Connecticut for a three game homestand beginning Saturday night against the Starfires.  First pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from New Britain Stadium. 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.