The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots (13-6) defeated the Long Island Ducks (12-9) 5-4 before 6,022 fans at TD Bank Ballpark on Sunday afternoon.
The Patriots took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on an error that allowed Alex Castellanos to score.
Somerset extended the lead with three runs in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI single by Castellanos and a two-run double by Mike Fransoso that gave the Patriots a 4-0 advantage.
Long Island cut the lead to 4-2 on a two-run home run by Travis Snider (3) in the top of the fourth inning.
Adam Weisenburger’s solo home run (2) in the bottom of the sixth inning made the score 5-2.
The Ducks plated two runs in the top of the ninth inning on an RBI double by Cody Puckett and an RBI groundout by Ramon Cabrera for the 5-4 final.
Aaron Laffey (2-0) picked up the win, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and three strikeouts in 5.1 innings pitched.
“I went out there and attacked the zone and let the defense work for me. That’s what I’ve pretty much done my whole career,” said Laffey. “Having the confidence in the guys behind me and the bullpen after me going out there and competing like we all did.”
Jake Dunning (1-2) suffered the loss, allowing four earned runs on five hits in three innings pitched. Ryan Kelly earned his third save of the season.
The 2018 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 6:35 pm game on Tuesday, May 22nd against the Sugar Land Skeeters. The game features Somerset and Union County Teacher Appreciation Night. For tickets, visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
