The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ- Justin Pacchioli’s bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Somerset Patriots (11-8, 53-36) a 3-2 walk-off win over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (8-12, 46-43) before 7,916 fans at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday evening.
Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Patriots tied up the game on an error and won it on Pacchioli’s single to centerfield.
“I’m just trying to put the ball in play. Bases loaded, two-outs, and there’s no sacrifice fly. You either get a hit or a walk,” said Pacchioli. “I’m looking for a pitch I could drive, stay inside my game, and try not do too much.”
The Patriots took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on an RBI single by Mark Minicozzi.
Lucas Irvine cruised through eight stellar innings before the Blue Crabs were able to do any damage against him in the top of the ninth inning. Zach Cone tied up the game with a solo home run (8) and a sacrifice fly by Luis Alen put Southern Maryland up 2-1.
It was Somerset’s 11th walk-off win this season and third in the four game series against the Blue Crabs.
“We just don’t like to give up. The guys in this clubhouse really believe in one another. We’re like one big family and we always believe that any one of us can get the job done,” Pacchioli added.
Dustin Molleken (2-1) picked up the win with 0.2 innings of work. Jesse Beal (5-3) suffered the loss, allowing two earned runs on four hits in 0.2 innings pitched.
The 2017 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Friday, August 4th when the Patriots return home for a 7:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game now features Fireworks and T-Shirts (1st 2,000) presented by 22 West Tap & Grill. For tickets, visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
