(New Britain, Conn., July 14, 2018) – The New Britain Bees today announced the signings of pitchers Brandon Cunniff and Chris Reed.

“These are two valuable arms we are adding to our pitching staff as we begin the second half of the season,” says Bees General Manager Brad Smith. “Brandon will be a solid late inning reliever for us, while Chris gives us another versatile lefthanded arm.”

Brandon Cunniff comes to New Britain for his Atlantic League debut during his ninth year of professional baseball. The former big leaguer began the 2018 campaign with Leon of the Mexican League. In 16 appearances, he posted a 5.17 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 15.2 innings pitched.

The 29-year-old was originally selected by the Florida Marlins in the 27^th round of the 2010 MLB amateur draft. After one year with the Marlins, he made his Independent League debut with River City of the Frontier League. The righthander would then spend the next two campaigns in Indy ball with River City and Southern Illinois before being signed by the Atlanta Braves in 2013. In 93 combined Independent League appearances, he owns a 7-0 record with a 1.57 ERA, 141 strikeouts, and 25 saves in 103.0 innings of work. Brandon would then rise quickly through the Braves farm system, making his Major League debut in 2015. He spent two seasons in the Majors with Atlanta, posting a 4-2 record with a 4.50 ERA and 53 strikeouts over the course of 52.0 innings pitched.

In 276 career minor league games, Brandon has collected a 20-9 record with a 2.60 ERA, 406 strikeouts, and 42 saves in 370.0 innings pitched.

Chris Reed joins the Bees for his Atlantic League debut during his seventh year of professional baseball. The former big leaguer began the 2018 season with the Miami Marlins organization, appearing in four combined games in the minor leagues, posting a 1.29 ERA.

The 28-year-old was originally selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round (16^th overall) of the 2011 MLB amateur draft. He spent five campaigns in the Dodgers organization before being traded over to the Miami Marlins in 2015, when he would also make his Major League debut for the club. The lefthander appeared in two games for the Marlins, collecting a 4.50 ERA in four innings pitched. He would spend the rest of his time with Miami’s minor league affiliates before coming to New Britain.

In 145 career minor league games (84 starts), Chris has won 17 games and posted a 4.13 ERA with 429 strikeouts in 517.0 innings pitched.

All New Britain Bees transactions are presented by ACES. ACES is dedicated to enhancing and transforming lives through education, innovations, and leadership. Visit https://www.aces.org/ for more information.

About the New Britain Bees
The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, 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 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 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 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. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

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