Rogers Extends Hitting Streak, Moore Goes Yard

(Bridgewater Township, NJ – July 12, 2019) – The Somerset Patriots (1-0, 43-28) defeated the New Britain Bees (0-1, 35-35) 6-3 at TD Bank Ballpark on Friday night in the opener of a three-game weekend series and the first game for both teams in the Second Half of the 2019 Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Regular Season Schedule.

New Britain starting pitcher Giovanni Soto registered a no-decision after surrendering three runs on six hits (one home run) across four innings pitched, walking one while striking out two. Somerset starting pitcher Brett Oberholtzer (7-1) picked up the win after giving up three runs (two earned runs) on five hits (one home run) in six innings of work, walking three and striking out six. Luis Cruz shut the door in the top half of the ninth inning for his second save of the season.

New Britain took a 1-0 lead in the top half of the third frame courtesy of a leadoff solo home run off the bat of 2019 Liberty Division All-Star Logan Moore, his fourth roundtripper of the campaign. Trailing 3-1 in the top of the fifth, the visitors cut the deficit in half when Moore hustled home all the way from first base on a misjudged fly ball by Jimmy Paredes in right field hit by Darren Ford. The Bees tied the game at three in the sixth thanks to a run-scoring base-knock with two away produced by Ozzie Martinez that allowed Jason Rogers to cross the plate after he singled earlier in the frame to extend his hitting streak to a season-high 13 consecutive games overall, the longest active hit streak on the ballclub. Somerset sent eight batters to the plate in the home half of the sixth versus losing pitcher Akeel Morris (1-1) who was making his debut for the boys from the Hardware City, plating three runs to give the game its final score of 6-3 by way of a solo home run (second four-bagger of the game for the Patriots) to left from Yovan Gonzalez and a two-run double by Ramon Flores. The Patriots bullpen did the rest, as the trio of James Pugliese, Jonathan Cheshire, and Cruz fired three scoreless innings, striking out five. 2019 Liberty Division All-Star Jonathan Galvez led the way with a pair of hits in defeat, his 24^th multi-hit game overall, second most only behind Alejandro De Aza who has 28. Photo provided courtesy of Joe Doll.

The Bees return to New Britain Stadium on Tuesday, July 16^th when they welcome in the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs to begin a three-game midweek series and six-game homestand. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Two-Fer Tuesday at the ballpark! Don’t miss out on the Bees BOGO deal every Tuesday home game, as fans can buy one regular priced ticket and get one FREE when you purchase online at nbbees.com, by phone at 860-826-BEES (2337), or at the Bees Box Office. 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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