Patriots, Bees Split Doubleheader
New Britain, Connecticut – The Somerset Patriots (39-26) and New Britain Bees (33-32) split Tuesday’s doubleheader at New Britain Stadium. New Britain took game one 2-1, while Somerset rallied for a 6-3 win in game two.
The Patriots grabbed an early lead in game one of the doubleheader on a Ramon Flores RBI double in the top of the third inning.
Somerset starter Ryan Kussmaul was superb after being given the lead. The righty tossed six shutout innings, scattering two hits without walking a batter and striking out two. At one point, Kussmaul retired 16-consecutive Bees batters.
The Patriots carried a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning. There, Mike Antonini (L, 1-2) allowed a lead-off single to Alejandro De Aza and an RBI triple from Jason Rogers to tie the game. Three batters later, Rando Moreno hit a walk-off sacrifice fly to left field.
Giovanni Soto (W, 3-1) tossed a seven-inning complete game, limiting the Patriots to one run on three hits. He retired the last 14 batters he faced.
Somerset jumped in front in game two of the doubleheader on a Will Kengor (6) two-run home run in the top of the first. Michael Crouse added a sacrifice fly one inning later to put the Patriots ahead 3-0.
The Bees tied the game in the bottom of the second on a two-out rally culminating in a Tyler Clark RBI double and a Darren Ford two-run infield single.
The Patriots responded in the next half inning with a Kengor sacrifice fly to regain a 4-3 lead. An RBI fielder’s choice from Michael Ohlman one inning later increased Somerset’s lead to 5-3.
Craig Massey (1) topped off the scoring for game two in the top of the sixth inning with a solo home run to right field.
Nate Roe (W, 1-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief. As Silber (L, 0-1) allowed four runs over four innings in his professional baseball debut to take the loss. Jonathan Cheshire (S, 2) got the final six outs of the game to record the save.
The Somerset Patriots and New Britain Bees continue their five-game series Wednesday night. First pitch at New Britain Stadium is set for 6:35 p.m.
The 2019 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Friday, July 12th when the team returns to TD Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the New Britain Bees. For tickets, stop by the box office located at TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.