The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 5-2 to clinch the Liberty Division First Half Championship at TD Bank Ballpark on Tuesday evening. With the win, the Somerset Patriots have locked up a playoff berth.
The Patriots took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second on a two-run home run by Brian Barden (2).
Somerset added three more runs in the bottom of the third on an RBI double by Mike Wilson and a two-run home run by Corey Smith (6) for a 5-0 advantage.
The Barnstormers got on the board in the top of the fifth inning on an RBI double by Lance Zawadzki that made the score 5-1.
Cole Garner (15) hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth for the 5-2 final.
Patriots starter Matt Maloney (4-3) picked up the win, allowing a run on three hits in 6.2 innings pitched. Barnstormers starter Brandon Mann (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing five runs on five hits in 6.2 innings pitched. Jon Hunton came on in the ninth to record the final three outs and record his 21 save of the season.
The 2014 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Wednesday evening with a 7:05 pm game against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game SportClips Baseball Bingo and a chance for fans to WIN $10,000 presented by Heineken Premium Light. For tickets, call (908) 252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
