The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Bridgewater, NJ- Yovan Gonzalez hit his second walk off of the season to lead the Somerset Patriots (11-6) to a 3-2 win over the York Revolution (6-9) on Saturday evening at TD Bank Ballpark
With runners on first and third and no outs, Gonzalez chopped a ball over the shortstop’s head to plate Justin Pacchioli for the winning run.
“I know we had a runner at third base. I was just trying to make good contact and hit the ball opposite field,” said Gonzalez. “Once I made contact, the ball was chopped and I knew the infield was in, so I thought it had a chance. Next thing I knew we were celebrating.”
Gonzalez also had the game-winning home run on Opening Night for Somerset, which was his first career walk off hit.
The Revolution took an early lead in the second inning on an error and scored their second run on another misplayed ball in the seventh inning for a 2-0 advantage.
Somerset was held scoreless and hitless through six innings before getting on the board. An error that allowed Carlos Guzman to reach base safely brought home the first run. Gonzalez followed with an RBI single up the middle to tie up the game at 2-2. Gonzalez finished the game 2-for-3 with two RBI.
“It was good after being shut down for most of the game by their pitching staff. We were hitting some balls hard. It felt good to scratch a couple runs across and come out and get it in the bottom of the ninth,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie.
Kyler Newby (1-0) picked up the win, striking out the side in a scoreless inning pitched. Tyler Cloyd struck out seven, allowing a run and scattering two hits in five innings of work in a no-decision. Rick Teasley went three innings of relief for Somerset, allowing a run on three hits.
Luke Westphal (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing a run on two hits in the ninth inning.
The 2017 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Sunday with a 1:05 pm game against the York Revolution. The game includes Cereal Bowls (1st 1,000 Kids) presented by NJEA. For tickets, visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
