Bats Come Alive In Series Finale

(Bridgewater Township, NJ– June 28, 2018) – The New Britain Bees (29-28) defeated the Somerset Patriots (31-24)  8-5 at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday evening to take the rubber game of a three-game midweek series between Liberty Division foes. New Britain is back to within three games of Somerset for first place in the First Half of the Liberty Division Standings with six games remaining for the Bees, all taking place in the Hardware City.

New Britain starting pitcher Andy Van Hekken (3-5) tallied his second win in as many starts after allowing just two runs on six hits across five innings on the mound, walking three and striking out four. Somerset starting pitcher David Kubiak (3-1) was tagged with the loss, surrendering six runs on eight hits in just two and two-thirds innings of work, walking four and striking out one.

Trailing 1-0 in the top half of the third inning, New Britain sent ten batters to the plate, scoring six runs on seven hits to take a commanding 6-1 lead. Reid Brignac started the scoring when he plated Darren Ford with an RBI single. Two batters later Jason Rogers drove home Brignac by way of a run-scoring double. Brock Stassi followed Rogers with an RBI two-base hit of his own, and Vicente Conde plated a pair with yet another double as he was making his debut in a Hardware City uniform. James Skelton completed the big inning for the Bees when he enabled Conde to score by way of the fourth double of the frame. The run support was more than enough for Van Hekken, as he combined with the bullpen trio of Sammy Gervacio, Jim Fuller, and Devin Burke to hold off a late-inning Somerset rally as New Britain was victorious for the 14^th time in their last 18 games played, winning their third consecutive series and fifth in their last six series played overall. Ford and Brignac led the way for New Britain with three hits apiece. Photo provided courtesy of Joe Doll.

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.

###