Moreno Is The Hardware City Hero

(New Britain, CT – September 16, 2019) – The New Britain Bees (33-31, 68-66) defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters (34-30, 69-65) 6-5 in walk-off fashion in 11 innings at New Britain Stadium on Monday night in the finale of a five-game weekend wraparound series.

New Britain starting pitcher Devin Burke tallied a no-decision in the ballgame after giving up three runs on six hits (one home run) across six innings pitched, walking one while striking three and throwing a wild pitch as the right-hander notched his team-leading eighth quality start in 2019. Sugar Land starting pitcher Mike Hauschild also did not factor in the game’s final outcome, allowing two runs on five hits in six innings of work, walking two, striking out five and tossing a wild pitch.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom half of the third inning, New Britain got even thanks to a two-out run-scoring base knock off the bat of Darren Ford that allowed Rando Moreno to cross the plate after he walked and stole his 15^th base of the season. The Bees took a 2-1 lead in the last of the fifth courtesy of a Moreno groundout that plated Zach Collier who singled with one away. Three unanswered runs by the Skeeters put them back out in front 4-2, but the boys from the Hardware City cut the deficit in half in the middle of the eighth thanks to an RBI ground ball out from Mike Carp that scored Ford who earlier in the frame walked and stole a pair of bases to give him 43 bags swiped overall, third most in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Down to his final strike in the ninth, 2019 Liberty Division All-Star Logan Moore surprised everyone in the ballpark with a perfectly placed run-scoring safety squeeze bunt single to the left of home that plated Jared James with the tying-run after he began the rally with a leadoff walk. In the top of the 11^th the visitors scratched a run across to take their third lead of the night 5-4. New Britain looked to mount one last comeback versus losing pitcher Ricardo Gomez (1-1) one half inning later, loading the bases with two away for Moreno, and the Bees infielder did not disappoint as he lined a clean single into right field, scoring the tying-run from third in Jason Rogers and with skipper Goose Gozzo waving in Collier in from second base, the speedy outfielder slid home with the winning run and the celebration was on as Moreno was mobbed by his teammates at first base and New Britain had a dramatic and improbable September triumph, making a winner out of Sammy Gervacio (5-6) as the Bees improved to 9-5 in extra-inning contests on the campaign while also recording their 36^th come-from-behind win and 10^th walk-off victory in the process. Ford, Collier, and Moore led the way with a pair of hits each. Photo provided courtesy of Meaghan O’Donoghue.

The Bees welcome the High Point Rockers to New Britain Stadium on Tuesday, September 17^th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Two-fer Tuesday in the Hardware City! Don’t miss out on the Bees BOGO deal every Tuesday when you can buy one regular priced ticket and get one FREE when you purchase online at www.nbbees.com, over the phone at 860-826-BEES (2337) or by visiting the New Britain 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.

###