The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
New Britain, CT – The Somerset Patriots (26-21) salvaged the series finale against the New Britain Bees (23-22) 5-3 Thursday evening at New Britain Stadium. It was Somerset’s first ever win against New Britain in franchise history.
With the score tied at 3-3 in the top of the sixth inning, Brad Snyder belted a go ahead solo home run (6) to give the Patriots the lead they would never relinquish. Snyder finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored.
“It’s just fun to contribute,” said a smiling Snyder who is now tied for the team lead in home runs. “For the past couple games I had really been irrelevant so to chip in with contributions feels nice. Will make for a nice bus ride home.”
Michael Crouse ripped an RBI double to give New Britain a 1-0 lead in the second inning.
Somerset scored two runs without the benefit of a hit in the top of the third inning. The scoring was highlighted by an RBI sacrifice by Mycal Jones who is now tied for the team lead in RBI with 23.
Bryan LaHair recorded an RBI sacrifice fly to up Somerset’s lead to 3-1 in the fourth inning.
New Britain rallied for a pair of runs to equal the contest at 3-3 in the ensuing half inning. Jon Jones tallied an RBI safety squeeze and Craig Maddox launched a solo home run (6).
After Snyder’s clutch homer in the sixth, Snyder laid down a surprise bunt single in the eighth that helped extend a rally. Eventually Trayvon Robinson would leg out an RBI fielder’s choice to make the score 5-3 which would be the final.
Scott McGregor (4-4) earned the win. He tossed six innings and gave up two earned runs. Cole Johnson (4-4), who came into the game with the second best ERA in the Atlantic League at 1.59, suffered the loss. He went 6.2 innings and yielded three earned runs. Jon Hunton notched his 10th save of the year throwing a perfect ninth inning.
The 2016 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford continues on the road until the team returns to TD Bank Ballpark Monday, June 14th for a 7:05 p.m. game against the York Revolution. For tickets, call 908-252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com. Download our Mobile App for free in the Apple or Android App store.
