Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots (32-23) defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (19-34) 6-2 before 7,917 fans at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday evening.
Southern Maryland scored an unearned run in the first inning on an RBI single by Zach Wilson.
Somerset answered immediately and never looked back, taking a 2-1 lead on a Brad Snyder blast (8) to right field.
“We have some guys getting hot right now and pitching better as well. We are starting to play like we did in the beginning of the year when we were firing on all cylinders,” said Snyder.
Carlos Guzman extended the lead with a two-run single in the bottom of the third inning for a 4-1 advantage.
The Patriots plated a run in the fourth inning after Scott Kelly reached on an error on a sacrifice that allowed Yovan Gonzalez to score.
Guzman added his third RBI of the game with a single in the fifth inning for a 6-1 lead. He has five RBI on six hits in his last two games.
“I’m just trying to enjoy the game. It feels good that my teammates and coaches have so much confidence in me. It helps having guys like [Bryan] LaHair and [Brad] Snyder around that have been to the highest level. I know baseball is a game of ups-and-downs and I just try to stay within myself,” said Guzman.
A sacrifice fly by Eric Garcia in the ninth inning led to the 6-2 final.
Starting pitcher Donovan Hand (1-1) picked up the win, allowing an unearned run on three hits in five innings pitched. Scott Snodgrass (1-5) suffered the loss, allowing six runs on eight hits in five innings pitched. Jon Hunton came on to record the final out on four pitches to record his 13th save of the season.
It was Somerset’s sixth win in seven games. It was also their second straight win before an above capacity crowd this weekend, following a season-high 8,071 fans last night.
“You always want to win the game, but when you win a game in front of all these people it makes it more special. You feel like you helped make their night a little more special. They get to see a win, some fireworks and that makes it a great family night for everybody,” Snyder added.
The 2016 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford continues at home on Sunday, June 19th with a 1:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game includes a Father’s Day Celebration with a Fathers and Kids Catch down on the field pre-game and Koozies for the first 1,000 Dads presented by Roy Rogers Restaurants. For tickets, call 908-252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com. Download our Mobile App for free in the Apple or Android App store.