The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Central Islip, NY- The Somerset Patriots (10-2, 45-30) once again battled back and erupted for 12 runs to sweep their Liberty Division rival Long Island Ducks (6-6, 36-39) by a score of 12-9 on Sunday night at Bethpage Ballpark.
The Patriots scored first for the seventh straight ballgame on Sunday, when red-hot Alfredo Rodriguez grounded a base hit up the middle to score Craig Massey and give Somerset a 1-0 lead. 
However, the Ducks took control immediately after, scoring four runs in the first to make it 4-1.
Patriots added a run in the second on a Yovan Gonzalez sacrifice fly, but Lew Ford cranked a two-run home run in the following frame to give Long Island a commanding 6-2 lead after two innings.
After Jordany Valdespin was ejected following the third inning, the Patriots began to battle back. Mike Fransoso lifted a sacrifice fly into left field, trailed by a Yovan Gonzalez two-run single to make it 6-5 Long Island.
However, the Ducks’ bats once again came to life, scoring three more runs in the bottom of the fourth to pull ahead 9-5.
The back-and-forth slugfest continued in the next inning, when Matt Oberste lifted a sacrifice fly to score Alfredo Rodriguez. However, a throwing error on the play allowed Nate Coronado to also come across the plate and cut the deficit to 9-7 in the top of the fifth.
Both bullpens began to pitch well after that, until the Patriots made their final push to erase the early deficits.
Somerset plated four runs in the top of the eighth to regain an 11-9 lead. An RBI double from Craig Massey began the scoring in the inning before RBI singles from Rodriguez and Fransoso along with an Oberste RBI walk got the Patriots in front. Rodriguez added another RBI single in the ninth to top off the scoring.
Mike Antonini (3-2) earned the win with a pair of scoreless innings of relief. Colton Murray (0-2) allowed four runs without recording an out to take the loss. Nate Roe (1) earned his first save of the year with a scoreless ninth.
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.
