NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees decided to give out some souvenirs to Worcester fans during tonight’s game, hitting three home runs that led to their 10-3 win over the Bravehearts.  The first home run was a grand slam by the New Britain native, Danniel Rivera (Southern New Hampshire) which gave the Bees the lead, and did not look back afterwards.

The Bravehearts were first to score tonight in the bottom of the fourth inning when Ben Rice (Dartmouth College) hit a lead off home run to give Worcester a 1-0 lead.  They extended that lead a few batters later when Aidan Wilde (Stonehill College) grounded out but scored Ben McNeil (NYIT) from third base.  This would be the last time in the game that Worcester led over New Britain.

In the top of the fifth inning with bases loaded, Danniel Rivera hit a shot to left field, easily clearing the fence and hitting the first grand slam of the season for the Bees.  This gave the Bees all the momentum they needed.  Leading 4-3 heading into the seventh inning, Todd Petersen (UConn) entered as a pinch hitter and did damage right away.  Petersen hit a two run home run, his first of the season, to give the Bees a three run lead over the Bravehearts.

The Bees continued to pile it on Worcester in the top of the eighth inning when Petersen struck again with a double, driving in both Andrew Cain (University of New Haven) and Noah Martinez (Central CT State University) to score.  Petersen finished the day 2-2 with 4 RBIs.  Derek Tenney was then able to score on a wild pitch from Worcester’s pitcher, Hunter Reynolds (Franklin Pierce).  Finally in the ninth inning, the icing on the cake, Griffin Arnone (Elon University) hit a solo home run to get the Bees in double digits and defeat the Bravehearts.

The Bees started Macguire O’Sullivan (Assumption College) who pitched 4.1 innings, giving up six hits and three runs, while also striking out three batters.  Tim Blaisdell (University of Hartford) and Jagger Duquette (University of Bridgeport) also saw action on the mound with Blaisdell recording the win and Duquette recording the save in his debut with New Britain.

The Bravehearts started Cole Chudoba (Assumption College) who had 15 strikeouts in his last start, but struggled tonight pitching five innings and four runs on four hits.  Five other players also pitched for Worcester tonight.

The Bees improve to 8-15 on the season, while the Bravehearts drop to 13-7.  New Britain travels to Westfield tomorrow for the first game of a home and home series with the Starfires.  First pitch scheduled 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.