Amarista Cracks Two Home Runs In Defeat

(New Britain, CT – June 20, 2019) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (18-36) defeated the New Britain Bees (27-26) 8-7 at New Britain Stadium on Thursday evening in the rubber game of a three-game midweek series in the Constitution State.

New Britain starting pitcher Rainy Lara registered a no-decision in the matchup, allowing five runs on five hits (two home runs) in six innings on the mound, walking one while striking out seven and tossing a wild pitch. Southern Maryland starting pitcher Craig Stem also did not factor in the game’s final outcome, surrendering two runs on five hits (one home run) in just two and two-thirds innings of work, walking three and striking out one. The right-hander had to leave the game in the bottom half of the third inning due to an injured hand. Mat Latos shut the door in the bottom of the ninth for his team-leading seventh save of the season.

Trailing 1-0 in the home half of the first, the Bees got even versus Stem thanks to a leadoff solo home run to right field off the bat of Alexi Amarista. Down 5-1, New Britain got to within 5-4 with single runs in the third fifth and seventh frames thanks to a pair RBI singles produced by Taylor Motter and a run-scoring base knock from Jason Rogers. Staring at a 6-4 deficit in the bottom of the eighth, the boys from the Hardware City sent eight men to the plate and scored three times to take their first advantage of the night 7-6, highlighted by a game-tying two-run jack from Amarista and a go-ahead RBI base hit by Motter, his third rib-eye steak of the contest. The four-bagger by Amarista was his second of the game and tenth roundtripper in 2019, tying him with Jonathan Galvez for tops on the ballclub. The advantage was short lived as the Blue Crabs answered right back in the top of the ninth against losing pitcher Michael Johnson (0-2), courtesy of a two-out, two-run double from pinch-hitter Josh McAdams, and in the blink of an eye the visitors were back out in front 8-7. New Britain threatened in their final turn at bat in the home half of the frame, but Latos induced Amarista to ground out to Rubi Silva at second base, stranding the tying-run at third in pinch-runner Jared James as Southern Maryland was able to hang on for the come-from behind one-run victory, making a winner out of James Dykstra (2-1) in relief. Motter led the way with three hits en route to the loss. Photo provided courtesy of Meaghan O’Donoghue.

The Bees welcome the reigning Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Champion Sugar Land Skeeters to New Britain Stadium on Friday, June 21^st to open up a three-game weekend series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Fat Tire Friday in the Hardware City! Close out the week with a baseball game and a cold beer, as Fat Tire Belgian Ale Drafts will be just FIVE DOLLARS at any concession stand ALL NIGHT LONG for fans 21 and older! It will also be a Bees Best Bites Pizza Night! When the gates open at 5:35 P.M., all fans can sample and vote for their favorite local food. All you have to do is pay five dollars for a wristband and try pizza from local restaurants. Then vote for your favorite pizza for a chance to win a Family Four Pack of tickets to any Bees home game. Wristbands for the event are available at the front gate. 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)

With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.  For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

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