Trio Of Pitchers Retire Final 13 Batters Faced

(New Britain, CT– August 17, 2018) – The New Britain Bees (17-18, 50-48) defeated the Long Island Ducks (22-14, 52-47) 7-5 at New Britain Stadium on Friday evening in the opener of a three-game weekend series between Liberty Division rivals.

New Britain starting pitcher Kyle Simon (8-6) was victorious after allowing five runs on eight hits (one home run) in seven innings pitched while striking out a season-best eight batters. Long Island starting pitcher Chris Pike tallied a no-decision in the ballgame, surrendering five runs on six hits (one home run) across four innings of work, walking one and striking out four. Evan Scribner tossed a clean top half of the ninth inning while striking out a pair for his 20^th save of the season.

Trailing 5-0 in the home half of the fifth inning, the Bees batted around to get even against Pike and Lorenzo Barcelo, scoring five runs on six hits, including five consecutive hits to begin the frame as the complexion of the ballgame changed very quickly in a dramatic way. Following a Jovan Rosa leadoff double off the wall to the opposite field in right which extended his hitting streak to eight straight games (the longest active streak on the ballclub) and his on-base-streak to 16 consecutive contests (both season-highs), Jamar Walton launched a two-run tater to right centerfield for his tenth big fly which cut the deficit to 5-2. Two batters later, Vinny Siena’s RBI double into the gap in left center allowed Jonathan Galvez to cross the plated after he singled behind Walton’s home run to make it 5-3. With runners at the corners, Deibinson Romero got New Britain to within 5-4 by way of a sacrifice fly that scored Siena. With two-men down, Darren Ford stole his team-best 29^th base (third most in the Atlantic League) of the campaign to move into scoring position with the tying-run and would later be driven in thanks to a game-tying base knock from Jason Rogers. The boys from the Hardware City were at it once again in the bottom of the sixth versus losing pitcher Dennis O’Grady (5-3) as they completed the big comeback with two more runs to take their first lead of the night 7-5, highlighted by an RBI two-base hit by Galvez that scored Walton and a clutch two-out run-scoring single from Ford that drove in Galvez. The two-run cushion was all that New Britain’s pitching staff would need, as the three-headed monster of Simon, Brandon Cunniff, and Scribner combined to retire the final 13 Long Island Ducks batters that came to the plate while concluding the matchup with a total of 13 strikeouts as the Bees recorded their 25^th come-from-behind win on the campaign and ninth when trailing by three or more runs. Walton led the way with three hits and two rib-eye steaks, his 20^th multi-hit game and 12^th multi RBI performance in 2018. Photo provided courtesy of the New Britain Bees.

The Bees continue their three-game weekend series with the Long Island Ducks at New Britain Stadium on Saturday, August 18^th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. Close out the week with a spectacular post-game fireworks extravaganza and five dollar Coors Light Drafts, presented by Schaller Auto Group and Coors Light. Stanley is also giving away tape measures to the first 175 fans in attendance. 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.

###