The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
New Britain, Connecticut – The Somerset Patriots (23-14) utilized a dominant starting pitching performance and an offensive outburst to top the New Britain Bees (15-24) 12-5 Friday night at New Britain Stadium.
Somerset jumped out in front thanks to a four-run top of the first inning. An RBI double from Alfredo Rodriguez began the scoring before a Yovan Gonzalez RBI single, Danny Dorn RBI fielder’s choice and a Justin Pacchioli sacrifice fly put the Patriots in front 4-0. 
The Patriots added two more runs in the top of the fourth inning on an RBI double from Mike Fransoso and an RBI single off the bat of Adam Weisenburger. Danny Dorn (1) increased the lead to 9-0 in the top of the sixth inning when he crushed a three-run home run over the right field fence.
Somerset added its tenth run of the game on a Justin Trapp RBI single in the top of the seventh inning before two more runs – on a Trapp RBI single and a Massey RBI groundout in the ninth – put the Patriots up 12-0.
New Britain got five runs back in the bottom of the ninth, including a Jason Rogers (2) three-run home run, but their rally fell short.
David Kubiak (2-0) earned the win after a dominant performance. The second-year Patriot tossed seven shutout innings, allowed just three baserunners and struck out eight batters. He faced one over the minimum.
“That’s the kinda outing you want when your team puts up early runs,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “He was throwing three-to-four pitches for strikes, letting the defense do its work and really pitched well tonight.”
Andy Van Hekken (1-4) took the loss after he allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks over three innings of work.
The Patriots and the Bees continue their series Saturday night. Somerset righty Trevor Foss (1-3, 5.12 ERA) takes the mound against New Britain right-handed pitcher Tyler Badamo (0-1, 3.60 ERA). First pitch at New Britain Stadium is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
The 2018 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford continues on the road until Tuesday, June 12th when the Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark to take on the York Revolution at 7:05 pm. For tickets, visit www.somersetpatriots.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 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.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
