Rogers Collects Three Hits, Including A Home Run

(New Britain, CT – July 4, 2019) – The New Britain Bees (34-33) defeated the Somerset Patriots (40-27) 8-5 at New Britain Stadium on Thursday as a 4^th of July matchup under the lights in the Hardware City concluded a five-game series between the two ballclubs.

In his Atlantic League debut, New Britain starting pitcher Anthony Alicki registered a no-decision, allowing five runs (four earned runs) on four hits (two home runs) in four and one-third innings pitched, walking three and striking out two while tossing a wild pitch and hitting a batter. Somerset starting pitcher David Kubiak also did not factor in the game’s final outcome after giving up five runs (four earned runs) on eight hits (one home run) across six innings of work, walking one and striking out six.

New Britain took a quick 3-0 lead versus Kubiak in the bottom half of the first inning as they sent eight batters to the plate against the hard-throwing right-hander. Alejandro De Aza drove in Darren Ford with the game’s first run by way of an RBI double after Ford led off the frame with a single. The next man to the dish was Jason Rogers, and the Bees cleanup hitter plated Bijan Rademacher with a run-scoring base knock to centerfield. The next man up was Jonathan Galvez, and he allowed De Aza to cross the plate by way of a fielder’s choice as the boys from the Hardware City had an immediate three-run cushion. The Bees went out in front 4-2 in the middle of the third thanks to a solo home run courtesy of Rogers, his sixth four-bagger of the campaign and team-leading 47^th rib-eye steak overall, which ties him with Caleb Gindl of the Lancaster Barnstormers for second most in the Atlantic League. Down 5-4, New Britain scored four unanswered runs to give the game its final score of 8-5, courtesy of an RBI groundout from Darren Ford in the last of the sixth that scored Rando Moreno, and three runs in the seventh off losing pitcher Nate Roe (1-1) thanks to back-to-back two out hits by Moreno and Logan Moore as Moreno singled in De Aza with the go-ahead run and Moore followed with some much needed insurance by smacking a two-run double that brought home Rogers and Moreno. The Bees bullpen did the rest, as the trio of winning pitcher Ari Kaufman (1-0, first ever victory in the Atlantic League), Jose Rosario, and Jim Fuller tossed four and two-thirds innings of scoreless baseball, striking out five, with Fuller shutting the door in the top of the ninth for his team-leading ninth save of the campaign. Rogers led the way with three hits en route to the holiday victory. 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, July 5^th to begin a three-game weekend series, closing out the First Half Regular Season Schedule. First pitch is slated for 6:35 P.M. It’s another Fat Tire Friday, as fans 21 and over can enjoy FIVE DOLLAR FAT TIRE DRAFTS! It will also be Bees Best Bites Burger Night! When the gates open at 5:35 P.M., all fans are welcome to sample and vote for their favorite local food! All you have to do is pay five dollars for a wristband and try burgers from local restaurants, then vote for your favorite burger for a chance to win a Family Four Pack of tickets to any Bees home game! Wristbands 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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