Walton Drives Home Two With A Pair Of Extra-Base Hits

(New Britain, CT– June 24, 2018) – The New Britain Bees (27-27) defeated the Atlantic League’s Road Warriors (12-41) 6-4 at New Britain Stadium on Sunday afternoon to complete a three-game weekend series sweep against their Liberty Division rivals. The Bees complete a seven-game homestand with a record of 6-1, and have now been victorious in eight of their last nine game played in the Hardware City while improving to an Atlantic League best 15-8 in the month of June while also reaching the .500 plateau for the first time on the 2018 campaign.

New Britain starting pitcher Zach Stewart (5-3) picked up the win allowing just three runs on nine hits (one home run) across six innings pitched, striking out five while hitting a batter. Road Warriors starting pitcher Michael Lee (0-3) suffered the loss after surrendering five runs (three earned runs) on five hits (one home run) over five innings on the mound, walking and striking out four while also hitting a batter. Sammy Gervacio recorded five outs over the course of an inning and a third of scoreless relief to notch his first save in a Bees uniform.

New Britain took an immediate 1-0 lead versus Lee in the home half of the first inning when Darren Ford was driven home by Reid Brignac after the Bees shortstop cracked an RBI single off the wall in right field after Ford began the rally by reaching base on an error committed by Road Warriors shortstop Chris Rivera and stealing second. The home team took a 3-1 advantage in the bottom of the third when Brignac plated James Skelton with an RBI base knock, and then Ford and Brignac followed up the hit by recording a double steal of second and third base with Ford hustling home on a throwing error committed by catcher Ermindo Escobar. New Britain made it 4-1 in their favor in the bottom of the fourth when Jamar Walton launched a solo home run to right centerfield once again off Lee, his seventh big fly of the season. Leading 5-4 in the middle of the eighth, the Bees were looking for some much needed insurance, and that is exactly what they got once again thanks to Walton as he plated Matt Tuiasosopo with a two-out run-scoring opposite-field double into the gap in left center after Tuiasosopo reached base by way of a free pass, giving the game its final score of 6-4, with Walton recording his12th multi-hit game and ninth multi-RBI game on the season. Brignac and Walton led the way for New Britain with two hits each en route to their fourth consecutive victory overall. Photo provided courtesy of Charlie Barbeisch.

The Bees return to New Britain Stadium on Friday, June 29^th when they welcome in the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs to the Hardware City for a three-game weekend series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Fat Tire Friday, as Fat Tire Belgian Ale drafts will be available to fans 21 and over for just five dollars 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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