NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees had two days off before returning to action tonight and even before the game began there was drama.  Tropical Storm Isaias had torn down a good portion of the left field wall at New Britain Stadium.  This resulted in a netting fence being placed in, but meant there could be a baseball game played.  The Bees did end up losing to the Bravehearts, 8-5, but did trail by six runs heading into the final inning of the game.  After a rough first few innings, the Bees began to battle back but just fell short.

The Bravehearts wasted no time getting on the board in tonight’s game when Ben Rice (Dartmouth College) hit a solo home run in the top of the first inning.  This was his ninth home run of the season and still leads the league in home runs, with teammate EJ Exposito (NYIT) right below him with five.  The Bees tied the game in the bottom of the second inning when Derek Tenney (University of Hartford) reached base with a single and drove home the first run of the night for New Britain.

The difference maker came in the top of the third inning when Tyler Patane (Franklin Pierce) smashed a grand slam to centerfield giving the Bravehearts a comfortable 5-1 lead over the Bees.  This was Patane’s second home run of the season.  They added onto their lead in the top of the fourth inning when EJ Exposito hit a single into left field bringing home another run for Worcester.  They then led New Britain 6-1.

Fast forwarding to the bottom of the ninth inning after Worcester scored two in the top half of the inning to lead 8-2, the Bees began their attempt at a comeback.  With runners on second and first base, Kyle Brennan was able to get on base with a single and drive in Griffin Arnone (Elon University) for the first run of the inning.  During the next at-bat, Matthew Bertochi (Central CT State University) was able to advance home and score off a wild pitch from Worcester’s pitcher Brad Marchetti (Tufts University).  A few batters later with two outs, Mike Caruso (Fairfield University) hit a ground rule double which hopped over the netting out in left field.  That drove home the third run of the inning for New Britain, but ended the comeback.  Matt Donlan (Stonehill College) struck out with bases loaded to secure the victory for Worcester.

The Bees started Brendan Kirck (Springfield College) who recorded his first loss of the season after pitching just three innings and giving up five runs on four hits.  Macguire O’Sullivan (Assumption College) came out of the bullpen and saved some arms for New Britain, pitching six innings and giving up three runs during that span.

The Starfires started Christopher Mott (NYIT) and pitched four innings giving up just one run on four hits.  Worcester pitched four relievers throughout the game, including Sebastian Gruszecki (Franklin Pierce) who received the win and Jakob Barker (Valdosta) who recorded the save.

The Bees drop to 10-17 on the season, while the Bravehearts improve to 17-8.  New Britain returns home again tomorrow night against the North Shore Navigators.  The last time these two met on July 14, the Bees won 3-2.  First pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from New Britain Stadium.

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.