The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots (19-17, 57-49) defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (14-21, 40-65) 7-5 on Saturday evening at TD Bank Ballpark. With the win, the Patriots improved to 13-2 against Southern Maryland this season.
Somerset took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on RBI singles by Eric Farris and Bryan LaHair.
“I was just trying to put together good at bats. The guys on in front of me gave me the opportunity to drive in some runs,” said LaHair. “I was just trying to slow the game down and have quality at bats.”
The Blue Crabs tied up the game in the second inning on a two-run home run by Zach Wilson (11).
The Patriots plated a run in the bottom of the frame on a bases loaded walk by Farris that made the score 3-2.
Southern Maryland answered in the top of the third inning with a run on a sacrifice fly by Gustavo Molina.
Two unearned runs in the home half of the inning gave the Patriots a 5-3 lead.
The Blue Crabs made it a one run game in the top of the fourth inning with an RBI base hit by Gary Brown.
Brian Van Kirk answered for the Patriots with a solo blast (2) in the bottom of the fifth inning.
“I’m starting to get at bats under my belt and put in the work,” said Van Kirk. “I have a great team and coaching staff that really oozes confidence and the team as a whole is really clicking right now.”
Van Kirk finished the game 3-for-4 with the home run and an RBI.
Alfredo Marte’s RBI double in the top of the sixth inning once again cut the lead to a run at 6-5.
Somerset extended the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning on a single by LaHair, who would finish the game 3-for 4 with two RBI.
Donovan Hand (4-4) picked up the win, allowing four earned runs on eight hits in five innings pitched. Brian Burres (8-7) suffered the loss, allowing six runs (four earned) on nine hits in five innings pitched. Jon Hunton closed the door in the ninth inning for his 29th save of the season.
The 2016 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford continues at home with a 5:05 pm game on Sunday evening against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game includes George Washington Bobbleheads for the 1st 2,000 Fans presented by AT&T. For tickets, call 908-252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com. Download our Mobile App for free in the Apple or Android App store.
