Bullpen Trio On Display Despite The Loss

(Sugar Land, TX– April 27, 2018) – The Sugar Land Skeeters (1-0) defeated the New Britain Bees (0-1) 2-1 on Opening Night 2018 in the Lone Star State and the first of a season-opening six-game series and road trip.

New Britain starting pitcher Andy Van Hekken (0-1) was tagged with the loss, giving up two runs on four hits in four and one-third innings of work, walking one while striking out six and surrendering a home run. Sugar Land starting pitcher Mitch Talbot (1-0) tallied the win, allowing just one unearned run on four hits over five innings pitched, walking one and striking out four. Talbot improves to 5-0 in his last five games starts versus the Bees dating back to the 2017 campaign. Paco Rodriguez walked the tightrope in the top half of the ninth inning but was able to keep New Britain off the scoreboard to notch his first save of the season.

Sugar Land scored both of their runs against Van Hekken in the home half of the third inning for an early 2-0 cushion. After retiring the first six batters that he faced, Courtney Hawkins led off the frame with an inside the park home run that almost turned out to be a brilliant catch by centerfielder Darrell Ceciliani, but once the ball trickled away from him the speedy Hawkins was able to round the bases to give the Skeeters their first run in 2018. Anthony Giansanti followed with a booming standup triple to straightaway centerfield, and then crossed the plate for a very big insurance run on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Alvaro Rondon which enabled the home team to take a two-run advantage. New Britain cut the deficit in half at 2-1 in the top of the fifth inning when Tony Abreu doubled home Conor Bierfeldt after Bierfeldt singled with two men away. The Bees had the tying-run at third base in pinch-runner Vinny Siena and the go-ahead run at second in Deibinson Romero with two down, but Angelys Nina popped out to the shortstop Ryan Jackson as the Skeeters were able to hang on for the one-run victory. Jonathan Galvez led the way for New Britain with a pair of hits in his Bees debut. Photo provided courtesy of Megan Murnane.

New Britain hosts the Road Warriors for Opening Night in the Hardware City on Friday, May 4^th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be Star Wars Night in the Nutmeg State, and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Mayor Erin Stewart Bobblehead and a Magnetic Schedule presented by ACES. There will also be a Kevin Adorno Foundation Bike Giveaway, and it is our first Fat Tire Friday. 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)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

###