Lara Registers His Fourth Quality Start

(New Britain, CT – July 16, 2019) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (4-0, 29-44) defeated the New Britain Bees (1-3, 36-37) 3-2 at New Britain Stadium on Tuesday evening in the first of a three-game midweek series in the Constitution State. The win for Southern Maryland was their season-best seventh consecutive overall while New Britain falls under the .500 mark for the first time since they were 12-13 back on May 24^th.

New Britain starting pitcher Rainy Lara (5-6) suffered the loss despite tallying his fourth quality start of the season, allowing three runs (two earned runs) on eight hits (one home run) in six innings on the mound, walking one and striking out two. Southern Maryland starting pitcher Craig Stem was tagged with a no-decision in the ballgame after giving up two runs on five hits in just two innings pitched while not having walked or struck out a batter. Mat Latos closed things out in the bottom half of the ninth inning for his team-leading tenth save in as many opportunities.

Southern Maryland jumped out in front 1-0 versus Lara just three batters into the matchup when Joe Benson launched a two-out solo home run over the left field wall, his second four-bagger of the campaign. New Britain took their first lead of the night 2-1 in the home half of the second frame thanks to a well-struck double off the wall to the opposite-field in left by 2019 Liberty Division All-Star Logan Moore that plated fellow All-Star Jonathan Galvez after he led off the inning with a base knock against Stem, and a two-out push-bunt RBI single to the right side of the infield from Darren Ford that allowed Moore to cross the plate. The visitors tied the game at two in the top of the fifth courtesy of an RBI single with two men down by Edwin Garcia that scored Jon Griffin after he reached base by way of a fielding error charged to Joe Poletsky at third base. The Blue Crabs cashed in what proved to be the winning run just one inning later as Rubi Silva drove home Tony Thomas by way of a fielder’s choice which gave the game its final score of 3-2. The bullpen quintet of winning pitcher Tommy Thorpe (2-2), John Hayes, Adam Choplick, James Dykstra, and Latos pitched lights out baseball, not allowing a run in seven innings of relief, striking out six in the process as Southern Maryland remained the only undefeated team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball in the Second Half of the 2019 Regular Season. Ford led the way with three hits, his 16^th multi-hit game of 2019 and sixth of the three-hit variety. Photo provided courtesy of Meaghan O’Donoghue.

The Bees continue their series with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at New Britain Stadium on Wednesday, July 17^th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Kids Meal Deal Wednesday in the Hardware City! Bring the kids to the ballpark where they can enjoy the game and a classic ball park frank as all children 12 and under can enjoy a hot dog, bag of chips, and a 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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