PATRIOTS POWER PAST BEARS

By Atlantic League Independent Wire Services on May 30, 2010

(Newark, N.J., May 29, 2010) – Former Newark Bear Michael Hernandez, who entered the game in the first inning due to a freak injury to Joe Holden, smacked a two-run homer in the third inning, and Noah Hall and Jason Belcher each had three hits and drove in two runs, leading the Somerset Patriots to a 10-3 victory over the Newark Bears Saturday night at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, evening the three-game series at one win each.

Hernandez entered the game during Holden’s first at-bat, after Holden apparently fouled off an offering from Bears starter James “Bubba” O’Donnell under the brim of his batting helmet, striking him in the eye. Holden left the field to receive medical treatment at a nearby hospital. His status was unknown.

In Hernandez’ first real at-bat of the evening in the third inning, he took O’Donnell’s first offering to him over the left field wall with Wayne Lydon on first for a 2-0 Somerset lead.  The Bears then sliced the lead to 2-1 when James Cooper tripled and scored on a groundout by Fernando Cortez.

The Patriots broke the game wide open by scoring four runs in the fifth inning, sending O’Donnell (2-1) to the showers after 4 2/3 innings.  O’Donnell, who had been the Bears’ most successful starter of late, pitching to a 1.91 ERA prior to Saturday night, left after surrendering 10 hits and six earned runs. He also left after unfortunately hitting shortstop Elliott Ayala with a pitch in the head. Ayala also left the game and the field to receive medical attention.

Hall had the big hit in the four-run fifth with a two-run single. Matt Hagen and Belcher contributed consecutive run-scoring doubles in the rally for Somerset.  Newark cut the lead to 6-3 in the home fifth inning, when Scott Spiezio delivered a two-run double, scoring Cooper, who singled, and Cortez, who walked.

Hall and Belcher each had three hits to pace Somerset’s 15-hit attack. Hagen had two hits and two RBI for the winners. The Patriots scored four runs in the ninth inning off Bears reliever Willie Banks to break the game wide open.  Cooper continued his hot hitting with two hits to pace Newark.  John-Ford Griffin also had two hits. Former New York Met All-Star second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo made his Bears debut and had a single in his third at-bat.

Mike Thompson (2-1) pitched five innings, allowing three runs on six hits and striking out four to earn the win. Ben Grezlovski pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Thompson, allowing just two hits. Jeff Kennard pitched the ninth inning for Somerset.

The Bears and Patriots will face off in the rubber game of the series Sunday night.  Game time is set for 6:00 p.m., with the gates of Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium opening at 5:00 p.m.  The Bears and Healthfirst NJ present the second Kids Clinics on Sunday, beginning at 4:00 p.m.  Kids can still register at www.newarkbears.com, or on-site where space is available.  Participants receive a free t-shirt and a ticket to the night’s game.  Sunday is also “Sunday Funday”, presented by PSEG.  Fans are invited to a pre-game autograph session on the concourse to meet their Newark Bears.  Following the game, fans are invited down on the field for kids run the bases.

Fans can take advantage of the Memorial Day Weekend Family Four-Pack for the entire series against Somerset.  For just $50 dollars, fans receive four (4) Premium Box Seat Tickets and Four Meal Vouchers (good for Hot Dog, Hamburger or Pizza along with chips and a soft drink). You can enjoy professional baseball action just feet from the field, fun on-field promotions and much more.  Tickets for the game and all upcoming Bears games are available at the Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium box office, by calling (973) 848-1000 ext. 212, or by logging onto www.newarkbears.com and clicking on the tickets icon on the top of the page.

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