New Britain Walks-Off In Opener, Somerset Flexes Muscles In Nightcap

(New Britain CT, – July 2, 2019) – The Somerset Patriots (39-26) and New Britain Bees (33-32) split a single admission doubleheader at New Britain Stadium on Tuesday evening, with New Britain winning game one in walk-off fashion 2-1 while Somerset was victorious in the nightcap 6-3 as both contests lasted seven innings of play.

In game one, New Britain starting pitcher Giovanni Soto (3-1) went the distance for the complete game win, allowing just one run on three hits in seven innings on the mound, walking one and striking out three. Somerset starting pitcher Ryan Kussmaul registered a no-decision despite firing six scoreless innings on two hits given up along with a pair of strikeouts.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom half of the seventh inning, the Bees went to work versus losing pitcher Mike Antonini (1-2). The rally began with a leadoff single off the bat of Alejandero De Aza. The next batter was Jason Rogers and he brought home De Aza with a game-tying RBI triple into the gap in left centerfield, and in the blink of an eye the contest was all square and the winning run was ninety feet away. Back to back intentional walks to Jonathan Galvez and Jared James loaded the bases for Rando Moreno, and the New Britain shortstop plated Rogers with the winning run by way of a sacrifice fly as the boys from the Hardware City collected their fourth walk-off victory of the season. Four different players each had one hit apiece for the Bees offensively.

In game two, New Britain starting pitcher Cas Silber (0-1) was tagged with the loss in his Atlantic League debut, surrendering four runs on four hits (one home run) in four innings pitched, walking five. Somerset starting pitcher David Holmberg also left the game with a no-decision, giving up three runs on five hits in two innings of work, walking and striking out one. Jonathan Cheshire did not allow a run in two innings on the bump for his second save of the campaign.

Down 3-0 in the bottom of the second, the Bees scored three times to get even courtesy of a Tyler Clark RBI double off the wall in left and a two-run singled produced by Darren Ford. The visitors scored the final three runs en route to the 6-3 triumph as the Patriots hit two home runs in the backend of the twin-bill, the first a two-run shot by Will Kengor, and the second a solo blast from Craig Massey as Nate Roe (1-0) picked up the win in relief. Ford had three hits to lead the way for New Britain. Photo provided courtesy of Meaghan O’Donoghue.

The Bees continue their series with the Somerset Patriots at New Britain Stadium on Wednesday, July 3^rd. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Kids Meal Deal Wednesday, as kids 12 and under can enjoy a hot dog, bag of chips, and soda or water for just FOUR DOLLARS! 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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