NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees fell to the Worcester Bravehearts this afternoon, 10-9 in a game where there were a total of five home runs between the two teams.  The Bees trailed by as many as six runs early in the game, but were able to come back and take the lead before ultimately falling behind and losing the game. 

The Bravehearts got out to a commanding lead in the bottom of the first inning.  After a bases-loaded single and walk to bring home two runs, Joseph Pesce (NYIT) hit a grand slam to give Worcester a 6-0 lead over New Britain.  That was Pesce’s 3rd home run of the season, all coming from this weekend’s games.  New Britain then tacked on two runs in the top of the second inning when Ryan Bagdasarian (Eastern CT State University) hit a single into center field.

In the bottom of the third inning with the Bees trailing by three, Worcester’s Tyler Patane (Franklin Pierce) hit a two run home run to left field and extended the Bravehearts lead to 8-3.  The Bravehearts would then go quiet for a few innings while the Bees exploded to make an improbable comeback. 

For the first time in two weeks, the Bees went yard to bring them back into this game, and it didn’t end after one home run.  Zach Donahue (UConn) started it off with a two run shot, his first home run of the season, to cut the Worcester lead to just three.  Then in the sixth inning, Danniel Rivera (Southern New Hampshire) hit a two run home run of his own to give the Bravehearts just an 8-7 lead.  Finally the icing on the cake, Derek Tenney (University of Hartford) recorded his first home run of the season in the top of the seventh inning to give the Bees their first lead of the game. 

Although, the Bravehearts would answer immediately in the bottom half of the seventh inning with two runs and regain the lead over the Bees.  Both runs were scored on sacrifice flies from Andrew Selima (Holy Cross) and Joseph Pesce.  The Bees would have one last shot with runners on first and second base in the ninth inning to tie the game, but were unable to capitalize and fell just short of a win.  

Emmet Sheehan (Boston College) made the start for the Bees throwing only one inning and giving up six runs on three hits.  Kyle Menaker (University at Albany), Joe Mancini (Boston College), and Tyshaun Diaz (Southern CT State University) also saw action on the mound today with Mancini picking up the loss in four innings of work, giving up six hits and two runs.

The Bravehearts started Jack Steele (UMass Amherst) who pitched four innings giving up five hits and five runs while also walking four batters and striking out three.  Luke Fox (Holy Cross) received the win for his relief appearance in the seventh inning, and Brad Marchetti (Tufts University) recorded his first save of the season.

The Bees drop to 3-10 on the season, and the Bravehearts improve to 9-4, while continuing to grow their lead at the top of the standings.  New Britain wraps up their four game road trip on Tuesday night against the Westfield Starfires.  These teams last met on July 16 at New Britain stadium where the Bees lost, 6-4.  First pitch set for 6:30 p.m. from Bullens 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.