NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The New Britain Bees lost their first ever game against the Brockton Rox, 12-9.  The stat line was a unique one for today’s game, with the Rox scoring 12 runs on seven hits, and the Bees scoring nine runs on 18 hits, but five errors.

The Rox got out to a quick 2-0 lead by the start of the third inning, and then piled it on New Britain.  After a walk to bring one run home, Pat Roche hit a single down the third base line and an error by Bees third baseman Todd Peterson allowed two runs to come home for Brockton.  Two batters later, Patrick DeSalvo gets on base due to an error by Bees shortstop Derek Tenney, which brings home the fifth run of the inning for the Rox.  They led 7-0 at that point.

David Howarth got his first start at DH and made an immediate impact in the bottom of the fourth inning when he hit a single into left field to bring home Andrew Cain, the first run of the day for the Bees.  But the Rox wasted no time adding onto their lead in the top half of the fifth inning, using five walks from New Britain pitcher Tommy Hughes to extend the lead to eight.  Jake Gelof then popped out to right field and added one more run and led the Bees 10-1 after five innings.

Entering the bottom of the eighth inning, the Rox led the Bees 12-3 and looked as if they would close the game out.  New Britain was not ready to quit.  After two runners getting on base, Danniel Rivera smacked a single into centerfield and brought them right home to cut the Brockton lead to seven.  A few batters later with two outs, Christian Fagnant hit a double to the left field wall and added another two runs onto the Bees comeback attempt.  Fagnant was then able to score when Noah Martinez got on first base by an error from Joe Bramanti.  Heading into the ninth inning, the Bees trailed only 12-8.  

Tyshaun Diaz was able to drive in one run in the bottom of the ninth inning, but during that play Danniel Rivera was caught out trying to advance to third base.  That would be the second out of the inning and then the Rox would be able to finish off New Britain.

New Britain’s starting pitcher, Joe Mancini (Boston College), received the loss in today’s game, going only two innings and allowing two runs on one hit, and striking out two batters.  New Britain would pitch five more players throughout the game with Emmet Sheehan giving up five runs, two earned, and Tommy Hughes giving up three earned runs.

The Rox started Gavin Reily (Wheaton College) who pitched four innings, giving up four hits and one run, along with no walks and three strikeouts.  Paul Prue picked up the win after three innings and giving up two runs on seven hits. 

The Bees will travel to Lynn, Massachusetts to play the top team in the Futures League, the North Shore Navigators on Tuesday night.  In the previous matchup back on July 5, the Bees lost to the Navigators 6-4.  First pitch set for 6:00 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.