The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Central Islip, NY- The Somerset Patriots (9-2, 44-30) rallied to earn a 6-4 win over the Long Island Ducks (6-5, 36-38) on a rain-soaked Saturday night at Bethpage Ballpark.
The Patriots got the scoring underway for the sixth straight game, this time cashing in on a Matt Oberste RBI single in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead.
Long Island responded right away, tying the game at one apiece in the bottom of the first on an RBI double from Lew Ford.
Somerset starting pitcher Cory Riordan would exit the game after just two innings because of precautionary reasons. The Ducks then took the lead when they added a pair in the bottom of the third off reliever Vince Molesky, getting RBI singles from Taylor Ard and Ramon Cabrera.
The Patriots grabbed one back in the top of the fifth when Alfredo Rodriguez put a line drive up the middle to score Mike Blanke and cut the deficit in half. But, that run would be cancelled out on a Travis Snider solo home run in the next half inning.
However, as the rain continued to fall at Bethpage Ballpark and the conditions continued to worsen, Somerset’s will to win grew stronger. They had bases loaded in the top of the sixth and two outs, when Craig Massey hit a ground ball to the left side of the infield that seemingly was going to end the inning. However, Long Island shortstop Dan Lyons’ throw went over the head of first baseman Ard, going out of play and allowing two runs to come home to score. It tied the game 4-4 and gave the Patriots the momentum they would need.
After a scoreless bottom of the sixth, Rodriguez greeted the first pitch of the top of the seventh from Carlos Pimentel (0-3) by smashing it over the left field wall to give the Patriots a 5-4 lead. They would add another in the inning on an RBI fielder’s choice by Mike Fransoso to make it 6-4.
Ryan Kelly (14th SV) came on in the ninth inning, allowing the tying run to come to the plate. But, he struck out Snider to end the ballgame and complete the come-from-behind win.
Chase Huchingson (4-0) worked a scoreless inning of relief with a strikeout to earn the victory.
Pimentel suffered the loss after giving up the go-ahead home run in the seventh.
The Patriots lineup smashed 15 hits for the second consecutive night. The offense has been scorching hot, putting up double-digit hits for the fifth straight game.
The 2018 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Monday, July 23rd when the Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game includes Bark In The Park Night. 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 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 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.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
