Van Hekken Registers Sixth Quality Start In The Losing Effort

(Lancaster, PA– July 29, 2018) – The Lancaster Barnstormers Bees (7-10, 45-35) defeated the New Britain Bees (9-9, 42-39) 2-1 at Clipper Magazine Stadium on Sunday afternoon to salvage the finale of a three-game weekend series between inter-division rivals.

New Britain starting pitcher Andy Van Hekken (4-6) suffered the loss, allowing just two runs on eight hits (one home run) in six innings of work, walking one and striking out four, tallying his sixth quality start of the season in the process. Lancaster starting pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo (7-5) picked up the win after giving up one run on five hits across six innings pitched, walking one and striking out four. Matt Reynolds shut the door in the top half of the ninth inning for his team-leading 19^th save of the year.

New Britain took a 1-0 lead against Albaladejo in the top of the fourth inning when Deibinson Romero plated Brock Stassi by way of a run-scoring base knock after Stassi led off the frame with a ground-rule double that bounced over the wall in left centerfield. Lancaster tied the game at one in the home half of the fifth as Blake Gailen drove in Carlos Garcia with a two-out opposite field double over the third base bag and into the left field corner off Van Hekken, scoring Carlos Garcia after he reached base with an infield single earlier in the frame with one man down. The Barnstormers went out in front 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth when Josh Bell lifted an opposite-field solo home run just over the short porch in right, his second roundtripper in as many games against New Britain. Looking to mount a late-game comeback, the Bees saw their hopes of yet another three-game sweep go by the waist side as the Lancaster bullpen trio of Kaleb Fleck, Scott Shuman, and Reynolds fired three scoreless innings of relief on just one hit allowed, striking out six. Stassi led the way for New Britain with a pair of hits en route to the loss. Photo provided courtesy of the New Britain Bees.

The Bees return to New Britain Stadium on Monday, July 30^th when they welcome in the Atlantic League’s Road Warriors for a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be a Dollar Monday in the Hardware City, as Field Box Tickets and Martin Rossol hot dogs will be just one dollar each! CLICK HERE for tickets.

About the New Britain Bees

The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at New Britain Stadium. For information on ticket packages, group outings and sponsorships call 860-826-BEES (2337) or visit NBBees.com.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

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