The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ – Vinny Zarrillo’s first professional career home run was a walk off to lead the Somerset Patriots (38-32) to a 4-2 win over the Bridgeport Bluefish (30-40) before 7,315 fans at TD Bank Ballpark on Sunday evening. The game was the final game of the first half of the season.
The former Rutgers star came up to bat in the ninth inning with the Patriots trailing 2-1 when he launched a three-run shot down the left field line.
“Once the umpire finally signaled it fair, it still didn’t hit me until I got to home plate and everyone was jumping on me,” said Zarrillo. “Looking back now, it feels great, especially after everybody put together such great at bats in the last inning. I’m happy to do my part and help us win.”
The Patriots struck first with a run in the bottom of the first inning on an error on a fielder’s choice.
The Bluefish tied it up in the fourth inning on an RBI fielder’s choice by Jose Cuevas.
An RBI base hit by Luis Hernandez gave Bridgeport a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning.
Jeremy McBryde (5-3) picked up the win. Jose Veras (0-1) took the loss, allowing three runs on two hits in 0.2 innings pitched.
“That’s how tight these games are going to be. We have to continue to play clean baseball and try to minimize mistakes,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie, whose team finished two games out of first in the half. “It was great to end the half on two big wins in front of great crowds.”
The 2016 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford continues on the road until Thursday, July 7th when the team returns to TD Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game includes Post Game Fireworks and Bandanas (1st 3,000) presented by Morristown Medical Center. For tickets, call 908-252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com. Download our Mobile App for free in the Apple or Android App store.
