NEW BRITAIN, C.T. -- The Bees fell to the Brockton Rox on Saturday night 7-3 in a game where the Bees took an early lead, but Brockton used a big third inning to gain control and defeat New Britain for the fourth time all season. 

The Bees got on the board first tonight when Mike Caruso (Fairfield University) hit a sacrifice fly to center field that scored the first run of the game in the top of the third inning.  Brockton bounced right back with a big third inning that really gave them all the momentum in this game.  Patrick Desalvo (Georgetown University) hit a single that drove in the first run of the game for the Rox, tying things at one a piece.  Desalvo, along with Cal Christofori (Yale University), scored a couple batters later when Thomas Lapham (Babson College) knocked in a 2 RBI single to give the Rox a 3-1 lead over New Britain.  After an RBI single from Jacob Studley (Wheaton College), Jake Gelof (University of Virginia) hit a double into right field that drove in two more runs for Brockton, giving them a 6-1 lead after three innings.

In the top of the fifth inning, Christian Fagnant (Amherst College) was able to advance to first base on an error from Brockton’s third baseman, Thomas Lapham, that also drove in a run for the Bees.  Derek Tenney (University of Hartford) drove in another run in the top of the seventh inning, this time by an error from the Brockton shortstop, Jake Gelof, making it a 7-3 ballgame.  The Bees were unable to add any more runs in the ninth inning with bases loaded to end the game and give Brockton the victory. 

The Bees started Josh Vincent (Eastern CT State University) who pitched five innings and gave up six runs on five hits, while also striking out six and walking three batters.  Vincent received his first loss of the season.  Brad Lombardi (Boston College) and Jagger Duquette (Wagner College) also pitched for New Britain tonight out of the bullpen.

The Rox started Justin Garcia (Roger Williams University) who pitched 4.2 innings and gave up two runs on one hit, while also striking out and walking six batters a piece.  Michael Volgende (Tufts University) recorded his second win of the season, pitching 2.1 innings and striking out five.

The Bees fall to 13-23 on the season, while the Rox improve to 19-17, still fighting for a playoff spot.  New Britain returns to Connecticut for their final home games of the 2020 season in a doubleheader with the Worcester Bravehearts. The first game is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., while the second game will follow up 30 minutes after.

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.