Romero Sends The Fans Home Happy In Extras

(New Britain, CT– May 4, 2018) – The New Britain Bees (1-6) defeated the Road Warriors (2-5) 9-8 in ten innings on Opening Night at New Britain Stadium. The victory was the first for new skipper Wally Backman in a Bees uniform.

New Britain starting pitcher Andy Van Hekken registered a no-decision in the contest, surrendering seven runs (five earned runs) on seven hits in four innings pitched, walking and striking out three. Road Warriors starting pitcher Giovanny Soto also did not factor in the game’s final outcome after giving up seven runs (five earned runs) on eight hits (one home run) across four and one-third innings on the mound, walking and striking out three.

Trailing 7-0 in the home half of the fourth inning, the Bees went to work against Soto, batting around and plating four runs on four hits to get to within 7-4, highlighted by a booming three-run home run over the left field wall off the bat of Conor Bierfeldt and an RBI base knock from James Skelton. New Britain got to within a single run in the bottom of the fifth to cut their deficit to 8-7 on a bases-clearing triple by Jamar Walton in his return to the Hardware City. Down to their last out in the bottom of the ninth, Reid Brignac knotted the game at eight with a triple off the wall in straightaway centerfield, scoring Jonathan Galvez after he was hit by a pitch with two men down and advanced  into scoring positon by way of a stolen base. In the bottom of the tenth with the bases loaded, Deibinson Romero put the capper on an improbable comeback with a two-out RBI single off William Gabay that enabled Walton to cross the plate with the winning run after he began the rally being hit by a pitch thrown fired by losing pitcher Christian Flecha Astacio (0-1), while Manny Delcarmen (1-1) picked up the win out of the New Britain bullpen. Romero and Walton led the way for the Bees with three hits each. Photo provided courtesy of Jessica Muller.

New Britain continues their home opening weekend series with the Road Warriors in the Hardware City on Saturday, May 5^th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be a Stanley 175^th Anniversary Celebration and Tape Measure Giveaway, and there will also be a Cinco De Mayo Fiesta and the first Fireworks Saturday, presented by Schaller Auto Group and Coors Light. 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. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

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