Seven Shutout Innings From Simon, Rogers Goes Yard

(Lancaster, PA– July 6, 2018) – The New Britain Bees (34-30) defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers (38-26) 5-1 at Clipper Magazine Stadium on Friday evening in the opener of a three-game weekend series and the first game of the Second Half of the 2018 regular season schedule in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

New Britain starting pitcher Kyle Simon (5-4) earned the win after firing a dominating seven scoreless innings on six hits allowed and four strikeouts as he notched his fifth quality start of the year. Lancaster starting pitcher Steve Johnson (3-5) suffered the loss after giving up four runs on five hits (one home run) in five innings pitched, walking two and striking out five while tossing a wild pitch and hitting a batter. Sammy Gervacio retired both batters he faced in the bottom half of the ninth inning to record his second save of the season.

New Britain took an immediate 2-0 lead versus Johnson just four batters into the ballgame when 2018 Liberty Division All-Star Jason Rogers cracked an opposite-field two run home run over the short porch in right, his fourth roundtripper of the campaign. The power-hitting right-hander now leads the ballclub in runs batted in with 38. The visitors went out in front 4-0 in the top half of the second inning on back-to-back two-out run-scoring singles produced by Darren Ford and Brock Stassi, plating Vince Conde after he was hit by a pitch and 2018 Liberty Division All-Star James Skelton after he reached base by way of his team-best 33^rd walk overall. The Bees added another run in the top of the sixth when Conde plated Matt Tuiasosopo by way of a sacrifice fly after Tuiasosopo opened up the frame with a free pass of his own. The rest of the night belonged to Simon, as he retired the first 11 Lancaster batters he faced en route to his second consecutive victory, having allowed just two unearned runs over that stretch, striking out eight. Simon has also not allowed an earned run in his last 18.2 innings pitched. Ford and Stassi finished the night with a pair of hits each. Photo provided courtesy of Joe Doll.

The Bees return to New Britain Stadium on Friday, July 13^th when they host the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs to begin a three-game weekend series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Fat Tire Friday in the Hardware City! Close out the week with a great ballgame and a cold beer! Fat Tire Belgian Ale Drafts are just five dollars at any concession stand all night long for fans 21 and over. 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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