RIGHT HANDERS RETURN TO NEW BRITAIN FOR SECOND SEASON

 

(New Britain, Conn., March 28, 2017) - New Britain Bees team officials today announced that the team has re-signed pitchers Eric Fornataro and Brian Dupra for the 2016 season.

 

Fornataro, 29, becomes the third pitcher on the Bees roster with Major League experience, joining Joe Beimel and Jonathan Pettibone. A native of Houston, Texas, Fornataro holds the distinction of being the first player in New Britain franchise history to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization after the Baltimore Orioles purchased his contract on April 8, 2016. The six-foot-two right-hander appeared in 35 games in two separate stints with the Bees last season, striking out 24 across 46 innings. Fornataro appeared in 8 games with the St. Louis Cardinals during the 2014 season, and holds a career 4.13 ERA with 462 strikeouts in 701.1 innings over 9 professional seasons.

 

Dupra re-joins the Bees after making 21 appearances (19 starts) for New Britain last season. The Rochester, New York native tossed 97.2 innings for the Bees, winning 4 games and striking out 75. Dupra began his professional career in the Washington Nationals organization, reaching Triple-A in 2013 and 2014. Over six professional seasons, the 28-year old Notre Dame graduate has thrown 440.1 innings across 147 games, striking out 317 batters.

 

“Fornataro and Dupra were valuable parts of our pitching staff last season,” said Bees Manager Stan Cliburn. “They will both be key parts of our club in 2017.”

 

About the New Britain Bees

 

The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, playing all home games at New Britain Stadium. Opening Night is April 21st against the York Revolution, with first pitch at 6:35 PM. Tickets for the 2017 season, including Season Tickets and Mini-Plans, are available by calling 860-826-BEES (2337), online at NBBees.com, or by visiting the New Britain Bees’ Front Office.

 

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

 

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB.  The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.

 

For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com

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