Lara Loses No-Hit Bid In Ninth Inning

(New Britain, CT – August 11, 2019) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (16-13, 41-57) defeated the New Britain Bees (10-18, 45-52) 1-0 in 11 innings at New Britain Stadium on Sunday afternoon to take the rubber game of a three-game weekend series between inter-division rivals.

New Britain starting pitcher Rainy Lara registered a no-decision in the contest despite firing eight and one-third scoreless innings on just one hit allowed, walking three and striking out nine. Southern Maryland starting pitcher Dusten Knight also did not factor in the game’s final outcome after not allowing a run in seven innings on the mound while giving up five hits, walking two, striking out eight and tossing a pair of wild pitches. Mat Latos shut the door for his team-leading 16^th save and second in as many games versus the Bees.

The story of the day was Lara, who had tremendous command of his pitches inning by inning, retiring 14 of the first 17 batters he faced. The two-time Liberty Division All-Star followed that up by erasing the next nine Southern Maryland hitters, setting up some Sunday matinee drama as he took a no-hitter into the top half of the ninth inning with the matchup still not having seen a run cross the plate. After striking out Michael Falsetti swinging to begin the frame, Kent Blackstone stepped into batter’s box and spoiled the potentially historic YMCA Family Fun Day by pulling a double over the first base bag just out of the reach of Jason Rogers and into the right field corner for a two-base hit. New Britain skipper Goose Gozzo then proceeded to make the slow walk out to the mound to lift Lara, who left to a standing ovation from the New Britain Stadium crowd, acknowledging the faithful by taking his cap off in salute to the supporters. Sammy Gervacio came on in relief of his fellow Dominican Republic teammate and induced Edwin Garcia to ground out to Rogers at first and Blackstone to fly out to Bijan Rademacher in right, leading to free baseball in the Nutmeg State for the second time in less than 24 hours. In the top of the 11^th, the Blue Crabs took a 1-0 lead versus losing pitcher Jed Bradley (3-8) courtesy of a two-out bunt single produced by pinch-hitter Charlie Valerio that plated Tony Thomas with the lone run, making a winner out of Kevin Munson (2-3). Zach Collier had two hits for the Bees in defeat. Photo provided courtesy of Meaghan O’Donoghue.

The Bees next welcome the High Point Rockers to New Britain Stadium for a four-game series beginning on Monday, August 12^th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Martin Rosol Dollar Monday in the Hardware City, as the Bees will offer one dollar Filed Box Tickets and one dollar Martin Rosol Hot Dogs to all guests! 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.

###