Lara Goes The Distance In The Opener, Thole Extends Hitting And On-Base Streaks

(New Britain, CT– June 20, 2018) – The New Britain Bees (23-27) split a doubleheader with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (20-29) at New Britain Stadium on Wednesday evening, with New Britain winning the opener 5-2, while Southern Maryland was victorious in the nightcap 7-1 as both contests lasted seven innings of play.

In game one, New Britain starting pitcher Rainy Lara (3-2) was victorious as he notched his first complete game of the season, allowing just two runs on six hits (two home runs) in seven innings pitched, walking one and striking out four. Southern Maryland starting pitcher Casey Delgado (3-4) suffered the complete-game loss loss, surrendering five runs on eight hits (two home runs) across six innings on the mound, walking two and striking out three.

New Britain scored three runs in the bottom of the second versus Delgado, highlighted by an RBI double off the bat of Josh Thole (stretching his hitting streak to a season-best 11 straight games and on-base streak to 15 straight contests), a run-scoring single from Jamar Walton, and solo home run to left produced by Jonathan Galvez. Matt Tuiasosopo’s opposite-field two-run homer to right in the home half of the fourth gave the Bees a 5-0 lead and Lara did the rest as he tallied his third quality start of the campaign. Thole led the way for the Bess with a pair of hits.

In game two, New Britain starting pitcher Kyle Simon (3-4) was tagged with the loss after giving up seven runs on nine hits (two home runs) over five and two-thirds innings pitched, walking one and striking out two while tossing a wild pitch and hitting a batter. Southern Maryland starting pitcher Brett Marshall (3-3) picked up the victory after giving up one run on four hits in six innings on the bump, walking one and striking out seven.

New Britain took a 1-0 against Marshall in the bottom of the first when Jason Rogers drove home Deibinson Romero with an RBI single after Romero doubled down the left field line with two men down. Jon Griffin got the visitors even at one in the top of the second when he launched a leadoff solo home run to left centerfield off Simon. Southern Maryland broke the game wide open in the top of the sixth as they sent nine batters to the plate, scoring six runs on four hits to give the contest its final score of 7-1, with the big blow being a two-out, three run home run to left from Ryan Strausborger as the visitors were able to gain a split of the twin-bill in the Hardware City. Romero had two hits for New Britain in the losing effort. Photo provided courtesy of Joe Doll.

The Bees conclude their four-game series with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at New Britain Stadium on Thursday, June 21^st. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Miller Lite Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark, as fans 21 and over can enjoy three dollar domestic drafts at any concession stand! 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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