NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees played their final two home games of the 2020 season tonight in a doubleheader against the Worcester Bravehearts and finished things off in the perfect fashion.  Game one was decided by a grand slam from Matt Donlan (Stonehill College), and game two was a 14 strikeout performance from newly acquired Ryan Doherty (Manhattan College).

Starting off with the first game, Worcester got on the board with their leadoff hitter, Matt Shaw (University of Maryland), who hit a solo home run to give the Bravehearts the lead early on.  In the top of the third inning, Matt Shaw scored on a triple from Ben Rice (Dartmouth College), and eventually led 2-1 heading into the fifth inning where New Britain took over the game.

With bases loaded, Mike Caruso (Fairfield University) got plunked by a pitch to tie the ball game at two a piece.  The next batter, Matt Donlan, went deep for a grand slam, his third home run of the season, that put the Bees in complete control of the game.  The Bees led 6-2 heading into the sixth inning and aside from another solo home run from Matt Shaw in the seventh, the Bees did not give up a baserunner to end things off in game one, winning 6-3.

Game two was literally ALL New Britain.  Matt Donlan kicked things off in the third inning with a single that drove in the first run of the game, giving Donlan six RBI’s on the night between the two games.  Donlan came in to score after an error from Worcester’s second baseman, and then the next batter, Christian Fagnant (Amherst College), drove in another run to give the Bees a 3-0 lead after the third inning. 

The fourth inning was another three run spurt from the Bees.  Griffin Arnone (Elon University) smacked a two run home run, his third of the season, that had the crowd on their feet and cheering louder than ever.  A few batters later, Mike Caruso was able to advance home and score on a wild pitch, giving New Britain a 6-0 lead over Worcester.  In the bottom of the sixth inning after a Griffin Arnone triple, Mike Caruso was able to bring him home, grounding into a fielder’s choice and scoring the final run of the night for the Bees.

The Bees started Macguire O’Sullivan (Assumption University) in game one who pitched five innings and gave up two runs on eight hits, while also striking out two and walking none.  O’Sullivan picked up his first win of the season.  Ryan Doherty started game two for New Britain and finished the first complete game of the season for any Bees pitcher.  Doherty struck out 14 batters while only allowing three hits and one walk.  This was Doherty’s second appearance with the Bees, and first start after being signed to the team last week.

The Bravehearts started Angelo Baez (St. Thomas Aquinas) who pitched three innings and gave up no runs on one hit, while also striking out six batters.  Hunter Reynolds (Franklin Pierce) received the loss after giving up two runs in the fifth inning.  Chris Radovic (Clark University) started game two for Worcester and struggled, giving up three runs on four hits, in just 2.1 innings pitched.  Radovic recorded his second loss of the season.

The Bees improved to 15-23 on the season, while the Bravehearts fell to 22-14, as they clinched a spot in the FCBL championship game.  New Britain travels to Worcester for their season finale on Wednesday night. First pitch is scheduled 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.