Three More Hits For Ford

(New Britain, CT– September 7, 2018) – The New Britain Bees (25-29, 58-59) defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters (37-18, 78-40) 4-3 at New Britain Stadium on Friday night in the opener of a three-game weekend series in the Constitution State.

New Britain starting pitcher Rainy Lara tallied a no-decision in the contest after allowing two runs on six hits (one home run) in seven innings on the mound, walking one while striking out three and hitting a batter as the 2018 Liberty Division All-Star notched his sixth quality start overall. Sugar Land starting pitcher Konner Wade also did not factor in the game’s final outcome, giving up two runs on nine hits over six innings pitched, walking one and striking out two. Brandon Cunniff closed the game out in the top of the ninth inning for his first save of the season.

New Britain a 1-0 lead versus Wade in the bottom half of the first inning thanks to a Jason Rogers run-scoring single that plated Darren Ford who led off the frame with a base knock of his own. The Bees took a 2-0 advantage in the home half of the third when Angelo Songco allowed Vinny Siena to score by way of a sacrifice fly after Siena began the inning with a well-struck double into the gap in left centerfield. Sugar Land tied the ballgame at two in the top of the seventh against Lara courtesy of a two-run home run to left off the bat of Luke Dykstra with one away, his first big fly in a Skeeters uniform. The boys from the Hardware City jumped back out in front 4-2 in the bottom of the eighth against losing pitcher Mark Haynes (2-1), highlighted by a go-ahead RBI single from Jonathan Galvez with the bases loaded and one out that scored Deibinson Romero and a sacrifice fly from James Skelton that brought in Rogers. With Cunniff on in relief in the top of the ninth, Dykstra was at it again, cutting the visitors deficit to a single run at 4-3 after picking up a base hit to the opposite-field in right which scored Denis Phipps who began the uphill climb with a leadoff two-base hit. That was as close as the Skeeters would get as Alvaro Rondon followed the Dykstra plate appearance by bouncing into a game-ending 6-6-3 double play, the second twin-killing of the night turned by the Bees as they were able to hang on late while improving to 18-17 in games decided by a single run. Ford led the way for New Britain with three more hits on the evening, giving the speedy leadoff batter 34 multi-hit games on the campaign, tying him with Rogers for tops on the ballclub. Photo provided courtesy of the New Britain Bees.

The Bees continue their series with the 2018 Freedom Division Champion Sugar Land Skeeters at New Britain Stadium on Saturday, September 8^th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be ComiCONN Night in the Nutmeg State, presented by Alternate Universe & Altered Reality Entertainment. Stop by the Alternate Universe & Altered Reality Entertainment exhibitor area for photo opportunities, freebies, convention information, and more! Kick off September with five dollar Coors Light Drafts. There will also be a Stanley Measure giveaway to the first 175 fans that attend the game. 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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