Ford Extends Hitting Streak
(New Britain, CT– May 6, 2018) – The Road Warriors (3-6) defeated the New Britain Bees (2-7) 3-2 at New Britain Stadium on Sunday afternoon to salvage the finale of a three-game weekend series in the Constitution State.
New Britain starting pitcher Zach Stewart (0-2) was tagged with the loss despite his quality start of the season, surrendering three runs (two earned runs) on six hits over seven innings of work, walking one and striking out three. Road Warriors starting pitcher Felix Baez (1-1) earned the win, allowing one run on three hits in six innings pitched, walking on while striking out four and tossing a pair of wild pitches. William Gabay retired the only batter he faced in the home half of the ninth inning for his first save of the campaign.
Leading 1-0, the Road Warriors added what turned out to be a big pair of insurance runs in the top half of the fourth inning when Gustavo Pierre hit a two-run home run to left field off Stewart to make it 3-0 in favor of the visitors. New Britain cut the deficit to 3-1 in the bottom of the frame when James Skelton hustled down the line from third base to cross the plate on the second wild pitch of the inning thrown by Baez. The game took an interesting turn in the bottom of the sixth when home plate umpire Jonathan Conrad ejected Bees manager Wally Backman, shortstop Reid Brignac, and left fielder Ozney Guillen all in succession during the plate appearance made by Skelton in between pitched made by Baez. New Britain would mount a comeback in the last of the ninth when Deibinson Romero led off with a single. Darrell Ceciliani followed with a pinch-hit run-scoring double into the gap in left centerfield that plated Romero and cut the Bees deficit in half at 3-2. Manny Ramirez, Jr. entered the ballgame as a pinch-runner for Ceciliani as New Britain had the tying-run in scoring position with nobody out, but that was as far as he would get on the basepaths with the rally falling just short when Gabay induced Conor Bierfeldt to fly out to centerfield enabling the Road Warriors to hang on for the one-run victory. Six different Bees payer tallied one hit each, including Darren Ford, whose drag but single to the right side of the infield in the bottom of the eighth extended his hitting streak to a team-best six consecutive games overall. Photo provided courtesy of Jessica Muller.
New Britain continues their opening homestand when they welcome the Long Island Ducks to the Hardware City for the first time in 2018 on Tuesday, May 8th to begin a three-game midweek series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. Bring a friend on this Two-fer Tuesday and get your ticket for FREE! Every Tuesday buy one full price ticket and get one free when purchasing online, by phone or at the Bees Ticket 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)
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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