Lancaster, Pennsylvania – The Somerset Patriots (17-9) dropped the opener of a four-game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers (19-8) Tuesday night at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

The Barnstormers got the scoring started in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI single from Darian Sanford. Somerset later tied the ballgame in the top of the fifth on an RBI infield single. 

Lancaster jumped ahead by three in the bottom of the sixth. After a run scored on a Duane Below throwing error, Ryan Casteel lifted a two-run double to left field that extended the Barnstormers lead to 4-1.

Somerset rallied to cut the deficit to 4-3 the next half inning. An RBI single from Mike Fransoso and an RBI groundout from Julio Borbon got the Patriots back within a run.

The Barnstormers got an insurance run back in the bottom of the eighth on a Grant Desme sacrifice fly to top off the scoring.

Nate Reed (5-0) earned with win after he allowed one unearned run over six innings. Duane Below (1-2) suffered the loss, yielding four runs (three earned) over 5.2 innings of work. Matt Reynolds (6) got the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Patriots and Barnstormers continue their four-game series Wednesday evening. Somerset righty Kyle Davies (0-1, 2.25 ERA) takes the mound against Lancaster righty Steve Johnson (2-1, 3.15 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

The 2018 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford continues on the road until Friday, June 1st when the Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark to take on the Road Warriors at 6:35 pm. For tickets, visit www.somersetpatriots.com

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The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 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 to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.

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