Skelton Reaches Base All Four Times In The Defeat

(New Britain, CT– July 4, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks (30-32) defeated the New Britain Bees (32-30) 5-3 at New Britain Stadium on Independence Day to even up the three-game midweek series at a victory apiece. The loss gives the Somerset Patriots the 2018 First Half Liberty Division Championship in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

New Britain starting pitcher Andy Van Hekken registered a no-decision in the ballgame despite firing five and two-thirds scoreless innings on just five hits allowed, striking out five. Long Island starting pitcher Lee Sosa also did not factor in the game’s final outcome, surrendering one run on one hit in two innings of work, walking and striking out two while tossing a wild pitch and hitting a batter.

New Britain took a 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the second inning versus Sosa when 2018 Liberty Division All-Star James Skelton plated Brock Stassi with a run-scoring single after Stassi led off the frame with a walk and later on in the rally stole second base for his first bag swiped in a Hardware City uniform. The Bees took a 3-0 lead in the home half of the fifth by way of an RBI base knock from Ozney Guillen and a run-scoring groundout by 2018 Liberty Division All-Star Deibinson Romero. New Britain enjoyed the three-run cushion all the way into the top of the eighth, but the Ducks were able to find an answer against the Bees bullpen, sending eight batters to the plate, scoring five runs to take the lead for good at 5-3, highlighted by a go-ahead two-run home run to left field off the bat of Taylor Ard against losing pitcher and 2018 Liberty Division All-Star Jim Fuller (0-1), making a winner out of Ashur Tolliver (1-2), who tossed an inning and a third of scoreless relief out of the Flock bullpen. Francisco Rodriguez shut the door on any dramatic Bees comeback in the bottom of the ninth to notch his 13^th save of the season. Skelton and Stassi led the way for New Britain with two hits apiece. Photo provided courtesy of Joe Doll.

The Bees conclude the First Half of the regular season when they face the Long Island Ducks at New Britain Stadium on Thursday, July 5^th. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Miller Lite Thirsty Thursday in the Hardware City, as fans 21 and over can enjoy three dollar domestic drafts all night long 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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