Yan Dominates Pats Bats

By Atlantic League Independent Wire Services on July 7, 2009

(Bridgeport, CT – July 6, 2009) – Bridgeport Bluefish starter Esteban Yan had been cruising through Atlantic League hitters before stumbling against Newark and Camden in his last two starts.  Though tonight, Yan flashed his brilliance once again, holding the Somerset Patriots (42-26) to one run in Bridgeport’s (32-36) 4-1 victory at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard.

Yan (6-2) went the distance for the ‘Fish, pitching a complete game three-hitter with two strikeouts, while walking one to earn the victory.  The righty made quick work of the Freedom Division First Half champions, finishing the night with 100 pitches.

At one point, Yan retired 13 straight Somerset batters before allowing an Elliot Ayala single to center field in the top of the ninth inning.  The only run against the former-Major Leaguer came on an RBI single by Mike Rodriguez in the same inning, scoring Sean Smith.  It was Yan’s third complete game of the season and first since June 14 against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

Bridgeport struck early against Atlantic League wins leader Jim Magrane, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third inning.  After a one-out single to left field by Todd Davison, Adam Greenberg hit an RBI triple to plate Davison.  Greenberg then was brought home on an RBI sacrifice fly to left field by Tyrone Pendergrass.  Greenberg finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI.

Brandon Sing provided Yan with plenty of support as well, blasting two home runs for his second multi-home run game of the season.  Sing extended Bridgeport’s 2-0 lead by drilling a 3-1 Jim Magrane pitch into the leftfield net during the bottom of the sixth frame.  The leftfielder hit his second dinger of the night in the eighth, a deep shot over the left-centerfield wall, to give the ‘Fish a 4-0 lead.  The slugger finished 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI and ended a 16-game homerless drought with tonight’s performance.

Magrane (9-2) was tagged with his second loss of the season despite striking out seven and giving up three runs on seven hits and one walk in six innings pitched.

Tip Fairchild pitched the final two innings for Somerset, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out five.  Fairchild and Magrane combined to fan 12 Bluefish batters.  It is the second time in four days that the ‘Fish have struck out a season-high 12 times.

With the victory, the Bluefish have won a season-high four straight games at home and have now won seven of their past ten games.

The Bluefish and Patriots play game two of their three-game set tomorrow with the first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. The Ballpark at Harbor Yard gates open at 6:05 p.m. for Kid’s Eat Free Tuesday, courtesy of Stew Leonard’s. All kids (12 and under) will receive a free hot dog, bag of chips and 12 oz. fountain soda. Tickets are still available by visiting the Harbor Yard box office, calling (203)-345-4800, or by visiting www.bridgeportbluefish.com and clicking the tickets icon.

The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans, group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.

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