Three More Hits For Atlantic League Batting Leader De Aza

(New Britain, CT – July 3, 2019) – The Somerset Patriots (40-26) defeated the New Britain Bees (33-33) 7-5 in 11 innings at New Britain Stadium on Wednesday night in the fourth of a five-game series between Liberty Division rivals.

New Britain starting pitcher Devin Burke registered a no-decision after giving up four runs (three earned runs) on six hits (one home run) across five innings of work, walking four and striking out three. Somerset starting pitcher Liam O’Sullivan also did not factor in the game’s final outcome, surrendering five runs on eight hits (two home runs) in five innings, pitched, walking one while striking out six and committing a balk. Mike Antonini closed the ballgame out in the bottom half of the 11^th frame for his Atlantic League leading 24^th save of the season.

New Britain jumped out in front 1-0 versus O’Sullivan in the home half of the first courtesy of solo home run to right field with one man down off the bat of Bijan Rademacher, his seventh big fly of the campaign. With the scored tied at one in the bottom of the third, the Bees plated a pair to go back out in front 3-1 thanks to a two-run tater to straightaway centerfield produced by Jason Rogers, his fifth roundtripper of the year. Down 4-3 in the middle of the fifth, the boys from the Hardware City took their third lead of the ballgame at 5-4 with two more runs by way of an RBI double from Alejandro De Aza that plated Darren Ford after he began the rally with a leadoff single, and a two-out run-scoring base knock from Jonathan Galvez that allowed De Aza to cross the plate. Somerset tied the game at five in the top of the seventh without even having to swing the bat as Dario Pizzano drew a bases loaded walk issued by reliever Tyler Danish. The Patriots went ahead for good in the top of the 11^th on a two-run home run to right centerfield by Ramon Flores off losing pitcher Sammy Gervacio (2-5), enabling James Pugliese (3-0) to come away with the victory out of the visitors bullpen as part of a wild contest that saw a combined total of seven ties and lead changes, but in the end Somerset found themselves winners of three of the first four games in the series to remain one-half game behind the Long Island Ducks for first place in the First Half of the Liberty Division Standings while also handing New Britain their six loss in their last seven games played, dropping them back to the .500 mark for the first time since May 25^th (13-13) while also falling to 4-3 in extra-inning ballgames in 2019 (snapping a four-game winning streak), including 2-3 when free baseball is played at New Britain Stadium, while also dropping to 0-3 against Somerset this season in extra-inning contests, with all three defeats coming in the Hardware City. De Aza led the way offensively with three hits, increasing his Atlantic League best batting average to .348. Photo provided courtesy of Kim DeGasero.

The Bees conclude their series with the Somerset Patriots at New Britain Stadium on Thursday, July 4^th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Miller Lite Thirsty Thursday, as all domestic drafts are just THREE DOLLARS at every concession stand! Stick around after the game for a SPECTACULAR fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day, presented by Stanley Black & Decker! 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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