The Bears scored two runs in the top of the fifth inning. Second baseman Shawn Williams singled, shortstop Paddy Matera singled, and center fielder James Cooper followed with an RBI single to score Williams.  Matera would score on a sacrifice fly by right fielder Kennard Jones for a 2-0 lead.

Newark extended the lead with two runs in the top of the ninth inning.  Williams singled and later scored on an RBI double by Cooper, who scored on an error for the 4-0 final.

Bears starter James O’Donnell (3-1) picked up the win, allowing seven hits in eight scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Patriots starter Justin Jones (3-3) suffered the loss, allowing two earned runs on seven hits in seven innings pitched.

The Somerset Patriots 2010 Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Monday, June 7^th with a 7:05 pm game against the Newark Bears. The game includes a chance for fans to Win $10,000 courtesy of Heineken Premium Light. The game also features a Job Fair from 4-6, Middlesex County Teacher Appreciation Night, and Curbing Hunger Night. Great seats are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Somerset broke the tie in the bottom of the eighth inning after first baseman Joe Burke singled, right fielder Zach Smithlin walked, shortstop Elliott Ayala walked, and centerfielder Wayne Lydon hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Burke. Designated hitter Noah Hall then singled to plate Smithlin and Ayala for the 5-2 lead.

The Bears took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Second baseman Sean Williams walked, center fielder Nook Logan doubled, and left fielder James Cooper singled to score both runners.

The Patriots evened the score in the bottom of the third inning. Ayala tripled and scored on a fielder’s choice by second baseman Tim Raines, Jr. Hall then singled, third baseman Matt Hagen singled, and catcher Jason Belcher singled to score Hall for the 2-2 tie.

Patriots reliever Ben Grezlovski (3-0) got the win after tossing a scoreless eighth inning. Bears starter Matt Smith (3-4) suffered the loss after allowing four runs on ten hits in 7.1 innings pitched. Patriots closer Ryan Houston picked up his ninth save of the season after pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

The Somerset Patriots 2010 Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Sunday, June 6th with a 1:35 pm game against the Newark Bears. The game includes 5-Time Championship Posters for the first 2,000 courtesy of Staybridge Suites and Jimmy Buffett Day. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

It was a pitcher’s duel throughout as the Bears’ Paul Fagan locked up with Somerset’s Josh Miller.  Fagan worked seven innings of one-run, seven hit baseball and stranded six runners.  Miller was just as good as he set down eight-in-a-row at one point and worked four 1-2-3 innings.

The Patriots stuck first in the home third against Fagan as Elliot Ayala reached on an error to the shortstop.  A wild pitch pushed him to second and two batters later, Tim Raines, Jr. ripped a RBI single up the middle to make it 1-0 Somerset.

Newark timed Miller in the sixth inning as James Cooper and Kennard Jones started the frame with back-to-back singles.  A ground out moved them up a station and Scott Spiezio brought a run home with a sacrifice fly to deep centerfield and it was all-square at 1.

In the eighth with runners on the corners, Edgardo Alfonzo kept the game tied with a great fielding effort.  On a ground ball to third, Alfonzo came home and started a 5-2-4-3 put out of Raines, Jr., at the plate, who led off the inning with a triple.  Reliever Greg Reinhard got out of the inning and the game stayed tied and went to extras.  In the tenth, Raines, Jr. ripped a leadoff double to right and was sacrificed over to third.  Back-to-back intentional walks loaded the bases for Michael Hernandez, who lined a single just fair down the third baseline and the Patriots walked off with the win.

Fagan recorded four strikeouts and didn’t allow an earned run, but didn’t factor in the decision.  Miller fired nine innings, allowing just the one run on six hits, with four strikeouts and walk.  Miller also didn’t factor in the decision.  Reliever Ryan Houston (2-1) earned the win working a scoreless tenth with two strikeouts.  Michael Mehlich (1-2) was settled with the loss in one-third of an inning with two hits and two walks.

The Bears and Patriots continue the four-game series on Saturday night.  Game is set for 7:05 p.m. Fans can tune into all the action on www.newarkbears.com with David Greenwald providing all the play-by-play.  Newark returns home on Friday, June 11 to kick-off an eight-game home stand against the Camden Riversharks.  Game is set for 7:05 p.m., with the gates of Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium opening at 6:05 p.m.  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.

The Patriots were the ones out in front early after a Noah Hall two-run double in the first and a Michael Hernandez solo home run in the second off of Bob Zimmerman. But a pair of two-out, two-run homers from Scott Grimes in the third and John Pachot in the fourth off of Patriot starter Jason Monti gave the Revolution a 4-3 lead. Monti (1-3) had breezed through the first two innings with a pair of double play balls but was in line for the loss after four. Monti finished 6.0 innings, walked a season-high four batters, and was charged with four earned runs, equaling the total he had allowed in his previous four starts.
Zimmerman (4-0) pitched 5.1 innings and struggled with control, issuing five free passes and allowing seven hits after four innings. But the Patriot offense sputtered the rest of the way as Somerset mustered one hit and just four baserunners the rest of the game. The York bullpen was spotless for the third straight game with 3.2 frames of shutout relief.
The Patriots biggest opportunity late in the game came in the eighth with Elliott Ayala at first and Jason Belcher, representing the tying run at third with two out against Matt Riley. Wayne Lydon swung at the first pitch, chopping it back up the middle. What seemed to be equalizing base hit turned into a sparkling defensive play by shortstop Chuck Jeroloman, diving behind the second-base bag, snaring the grounder in his glove and flipping to second to force out Ayala, ending the threat. The Revolution added three big insurance runs in the eighth off of Ben Grezlovski to seal the deal.

The Patriots (21-16) and Revolution (22-17) are now tied for first place in the Freedom Division with the top spot on the line Thursday morning. Mike Thompson (2-1, 2.89) and Derell McCall (2-1, 1.91) get the ball in the finale of a four-game set with coverage picking up at 10:55 am on WCTC-AM and online at www.wctcam.com and www.somersetpatriots.com.

NOTES: The Patriots left 10 men on base and went 2-9 with runners in scoring position…the Patriots have notched just three hits and one run in the series against York relievers who have worked 10.2 innings…Grezlovski had allowed just two runs in 10.2 innings all season until this outing which snaps a streak of 7.0 consecutive scoreless innings…Hernandezs homer was his fourth of the year, all coming in the last five games.

The Somerset Patriots 2010 Season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Friday, June 4^th when the Patriots return home for a 7:05 pm game against the Newark Bears. The game includes Sparkee The Mascot 5-Time Champion Bobblehead Dolls courtesy of AT&T and a Post Game Fireworks Show. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Hernandez’s home run off of York starter Corey Thurman gave the Patriots a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after Matt Hagen led off the frame with a double. The home run turned out to be the game-winning hit as the Revolution added a tally in the eighth inning off of Jeff Kennard but Ryan Houston pitched a scoreless ninth to ensure the victory, the third in a row for Somerset.

The Patriots led by just a run after the top of the sixth as starter Tom Mastny delivered a fine outing allowing a lone run in the fifth inning. Both Mastny (3-2) and fellow ex-Big Leaguer Thurman went 6.0 innings, allowing just five hits.

Somerset took a third-inning lead on a botched pick-off attempt by Thurman with two outs. Zach Smithlin took off from first but after being caught in a rundown, he bought enough time for Wayne Lydon to take off from third and score, giving the Patriots the early lead. Somerset extended the advantage in the fourth on a two-out Jason Belcher RBI, bringing home Hagen. The Patriots have defeated the Revolution in all four meetings this season and grow their lead to two games in the Freedom Division.

The first-place Patriots (21-14) now get set for game two of this four-game series with the Revolution (20-17). Left-hander Justin Jones (3-1, 4.55) faces newly acquired Jacob Marceaux (0-0, 0.00) on Tuesday when coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. from TD Bank Ballpark on WCTC-AM and online at www.wctcam.com and www.somersetpatriots.com.

NOTES: Hernandez’s homer was the 51st of his professional career…Mastny’s start was the third quality outing of the season…Noah Hall went 0-4, snapping his seven-game hit streak…Iggy Suarez also did not tally a hit, ending his five-game hit streak. Suarez left the game in the eighth inning after feeling dehydrated. Elliott Ayala entered at shortstop…Ben Grezlovski threw another shutout inning in the seventh. He has thrown seven straight scoreless innings…the five hits by Somerset marks the lowest total in a win this season, the second time that has happened this year…the Patriots are 9-1 against Freedom Division opponents this season.

The Patriots jumped on Bears starter and Paul Fagan for one run in the second inning and two more in the third. Matt Hagen led off the second with a double and came home on an RBI single by David Housel. In the third, the Patriots scored twice on a groundout by Noah Hall, his first of two RBI on the night, and an RBI single from Hagen.

The Bears cut the lead to 3-2 in the third inning on RBI singles from James Cooper and Scott Spiezio, but Miller shut the door after that, allowing just two hits over the next four frames. Miller walked only one and struck out four and threw only 31 of his 100 pitches off the plate. Brian Henderson pitched a perfect eighth inning and two relievers finished up.

Former Bear Michael Hernandez hit his second homer in as many nights, a blast to right-center field, to push the lead to 4-2 in the fourth. Hall’s second RBI of the game, a run-scoring single, brought Iggy Suarez home in the fifth inning.

Somerset added some insurance in the eighth inning off reliever Chris Vasami, scoring three times, when Hernandez doubled and came home to score on a double by Suarez, and Smithlin, the Fair Lawn native who was added to the Somerset roster before the game, delivered a two-run single, pushing the lead to 8-2.  Hagen and Hernandez had two hits each for the Patriots.  Cooper was the lone Bears player with more than one hit, delivering two singles and an RBI.

The Bears will begin a four-game series with Southern Maryland on Monday, with a special Memorial Day contest beginning at 1:35 p.m., with the gates of Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium opening at 12:35 p.m.  Monday is the last day to take advantage of the Memorial Day Weekend Family Four-Pack.  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.

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.

The Patriots took an early lead, scoring two runs off Perkins in the top of the first. Wayne Lydon led off with a walk, followed by a single from Joe Holden. After a double steal, Matt Hagen drove in a run on a ground out and Joe Burke brought home Holden with a sacrifice fly.  The Bears cut the lead to 2-1 in the home first, when Nook Logan reached on an error, stole second and scored on Scott Spiezio’s double.

Somerset pushed the lead to 3-1 when Lydon reached on an error and came around to score on three consecutive fielder’s choices, the final one by Hagen plating a run, his second RBI of the night.

Newark began their comeback, scoring one run in the fifth inning when Kennard Jones got the second of his three hits and scored on a sacrifice fly by John-Ford Griffin.  Shults singled and came around to score on an error to tie the game at 3-3, setting up the dramatic seventh inning.

Shults had two singles prior to coming to bat in the seventh with the bases loaded against Patriots reliever Casey Cahill and deposited the second pitch from Cahill over the left field wall for his first homer as a Bear. It was also the first grand slam of the season for the Bears.  Spiezio got things started with his second double of the game, then with one out, Griffin walked and James Cooper was hit by a pitch, sending Shults to the plate with the bases loaded. Shults delivered the homer and the Bears went on to gain the win.

The Bears and Patriots continue their three-game series Saturday night at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium.  Game time is set for 7:05 p.m., with the gates of Riverfront Stadium opening at 6:05 p.m.  Fans will be treated to a post-game fireworks extravaganza, presented by July4Ever.

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 post-game fireworks on Saturday night.  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.

####

GAME DATE: 05/28/2010
Somerset Patriots  3 AT Newark Bears  7

                                 YTD                                   YTD

Somerset           AB  R  H BI   AVG  Newark             AB  R  H BI   AVG
W.Lydon DH          4  2  0  0  .259  N.Logan CF          5  1  0  0  .237
J.Holden CF         5  1  1  0  .313  K.Jones RF          5  1  3  0  .381

N.Hall RF           3  0  1  0  .269  F.Cortez SS         4  0  1  0  .346
M.Hagen 2B          4  0  0  2  .314  S.Spiezio DH        5  1  2  1  .313
J.Burke 1B          3  0  0  1  .258  D.Ward 1B           3  0  0  0  .281

M.Hernandez LF      3  0  0  0  .163  J.Griffin LF        2  1  1  1  .253
J.Belcher C         4  0  2  0  .261  T.Olivares 2B       2  0  0  0  .000
I.Suarez 3B         4  0  1  0  .305   J.Cooper CF,PH     0  1  0  0  .333

E.Ayala SS          3  0  2  0  .318  S.Shults 3B         3  2  3  4  .270
                                      T.Pennino C         4  0  1  0  .294

Somerset             2 0 0   0 1 0   0 0 0 -  3  7  3

Newark               1 0 0   0 1 1   4 0 0 -  7 11  1
2B--J.Belcher (2), S.Spiezio 2 (8), J.Griffin (5). HR--S.Shults (1).
RBI--M.Hagen  2 (23), J.Burke (14), S.Spiezio (20), J.Griffin (17),
S.Shults  4 (5). HP--J.Cooper (2). SF--J.Burke (1), J.Griffin (3).

SB--W.Lydon (15), J.Holden (4), M.Hagen (4), E.Ayala (1), N.Logan (5),
F.Cortez (5). CS--N.Hall (3), K.Jones (4). E--M.Hagen (3), E.Ayala 2 (8),
N.Logan (1).
LOB--Somerset 8, Newark 9.
                                                                YTD

                                 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR     ERA
 Somerset
J.Monti                         5.0   7   2   1   3   1   0    2.94
B.Henderson (L,1-1)             1.1   2   3   2   1   1   0    3.12

C.Cahill                        0.2   1   2   2   0   2   1    5.75
J.Kennard                       1.0   1   0   0   0   1   0    4.91
 Newark
V.Perkins                       5.0   5   3   2   2   4   0    3.60

M.Mehlich (W,1-1)               2.0   0   0   0   2   2   0    4.09
M.Nix                           1.0   0   0   0   0   1   0    2.40
A.Benitez                       1.0   2   0   0   0   1   0    1.13
WP--V.Perkins (1), A.Benitez (1). HB--C.Cahill (1). SO--W.Lydon, J.Holden,

N.Hall, M.Hagen, J.Burke, M.Hernandez, I.Suarez, E.Ayala, N.Logan 2,
S.Spiezio, T.Pennino 2. BB--W.Lydon, N.Hall, M.Hernandez, E.Ayala,
F.Cortez, D.Ward, J.Griffin, T.Olivares. BF--J.Monti 25 (145), B.Henderson
8 (74), C.Cahill 4 (68), J.Kennard 3 (32), V.Perkins 23 (23), M.Mehlich 7

(50), M.Nix 3 (57), A.Benitez 5 (31). P-S--J.Monti 84-53, B.Henderson
20-12, C.Cahill 12-10, J.Kennard 10-8, V.Perkins 82-48, M.Mehlich 29-12,
M.Nix 13-10, A.Benitez 19-12.
T--2:51.  A--1373
1st of a three-game series

The Blue Crabs took an early lead in the top of the first inning after right fielder John Ramistella (8) hit a solo homerun to left field.  Third baseman Mike Just then singled, shortstop Travis Garcia singled, first baseman Patrick Osborn singled, and left fielder James Shanks doubled to score Just and Garcia.  Center fielder Jeremy Owens followed with a double to score Osborn and Shanks to make the score 5-0.

Somerset answered with three runs in the bottom of the first inning.  Right fielder Mike Rodriguez singled, second baseman Matt Hagen doubled, and third baseman Jeff Nettles hit a sacrifice fly to plate Rodriguez.  Catcher Jason Belcher (2) followed with a two run homerun to cut the lead to 5-3.

The Patriots tied the game in the bottom of the third inning after Nettles doubled, designated hitter Teuris Olivares doubled to score Nettles, and left fielder Elliott Ayala singled to drive home Olivares to make the score 5-5.

Somerset scored in the bottom of the fourth inning after first baseman Joe Burke doubled and scored on an RBI single by Rodriguez for the 6-5 lead.

The Patriots added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after shortstop Anthony Granato walked and later scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Rodriguez to make the score 7-5.

Southern Maryland scored in the top of the eighth inning after a solo homerun by Owens (15) to cut the lead to 7-6.

The Patriots added to their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning.  Center fielder Sean Smith singled, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by Nettles to make the score 8-6.

Patriots starter Brian Adams (8-4) picked up the win after allowing six earned runs on nine hits and nine strikeouts in 7.2 innings pitched.  Blue Crabs starter Joe Gannon (5-9) suffered the loss after allowing seven earned runs on 12 hits in 5.1 innings pitched.  Patriots closer Bret Prinz (5) got the save after pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Saturday, July 4th with a 5:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game features a Pre-Game Baseball Clinic, $1 Hot Dogs, and a Chance to Win $10,000 presented by Heineken Premium Light.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Southern Maryland took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning on a solo homerun to left field by Ramistella (6).

The Patriots answered in the bottom of the third inning.  Left fielder Joe Burke singled, catcher Travis Anderson walked, shortstop Anthony Granato walked, and right fielder Mike Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly to score Burke.  First baseman Josh Pressley then walked, designated hitter Matt Hagen was hit by a pitch to score Anderson, and third baseman Jeff Nettles singled to score Granato and Pressley.  Burke capped off the rally with an RBI single to score Hagen for the 5-1 lead.

The Blue Crabs added a run in the top of the fourth inning after a solo homerun by Shanks (9) to cut the lead to 5-2.

Southern Maryland scored in the top of the fifth inning after third baseman Chuck Jeroloman walked, Ramistella walked, second baseman Mike Just walked, and shortstop Travis Garcia doubled to clear the bases and tie the game.  Shanks (10) followed with a two run homerun to make the score 7-5.

Somerset cut the lead to 7-6 in the bottom of the sixth inning after Anderson hit a solo homerun (3) to left center field.

Southern Maryland added to their lead in the top of the eighth inning after designated hitter Jermy Acey doubled and Ramistella (7) followed with a homerun to make the score 9-6.

The Blue Crabs added a run in the top of the ninth inning after a solo homerun by center fielder Jeremy Owens (14).

Southern Maryland reliever Byron Batson (2-2) picked up the win after pitching 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two.  Patriots reliever Scott Van Es (0-1) got the loss after surrendering three earned runs on three hits and two walks in 0.2 innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Friday, July 3rd with a 7:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game features a Post-Game Fireworks Show courtesy of True and Associates.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

]]> http://www.atlanticleagueindependent.com/2009/07/03/crabs-defeat-fish-10-6/feed/ 0 http://www.atlanticleagueindependent.com/2009/06/21/crabs-take-on-from-pats/ http://www.atlanticleagueindependent.com/2009/06/21/crabs-take-on-from-pats/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:06:58 +0000 Atlantic League Independent Wire Services http://www.atlanticleagueindependent.com/?p=917 Bridgewater, NJ – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs avoided the sweep by defeating the Somerset Patriots 6-1 in front of 6,042 fans at TD Bank Ballpark on Sunday afternoon.

The Patriots took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on a solo homerun by designated hitter Jeff Nettles (4).

The Blue Crabs answered with four runs in the top of the third inning.  Second baseman Mike Just singled, right fielder John Ramistella walked, and left fielder James Shanks doubled to score Just and Ramistella.  Shortstop Travis Garcia followed with a two run homerun (11) for the 4-1 advantage.

Southern Maryland added a run in the top of the fifth inning. Shanks doubled and scored on an RBI double by designated hitter Patrick Osborn to make the score 5-1.

The Blue Crabs made it 6-1 in the top of the eighth inning after center fielder Jeremy Owens tripled and scored on an RBI single by catcher Lance Burkhart.

Blue Crabs starter Kenny Baugh (4-3) picked up the win, allowing an earned run on five hits in six innings pitched. Patriots starter Brian Adams (7-3) suffered the loss, allowing five earned runs on seven hits in five innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, July 2nd when the Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark for a 705 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game is Strikeout Cancer Night presented by Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Smith singled and would later score on an RBI groundout by first baseman Josh Pressley.

Somerset added two more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Shortstop Anthony Granato singled and moved to third on a double by Smith. Right fielder Mike Rodriguez drove home Granato with an RBI groundout. Designated hitter Jeff Nettles plated Rodriguez with an RBI single for a 3-0 lead.

The Patriots extended the lead with three more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Left fielder Joe Burke singled and moved to third on double by Granato. Smith drove home both runs with a two-run double and scored on an error for a 6-0 advantage.

Somerset continued to roll with two more runs. Nettles walked, catcher Travis Anderson doubled, and third baseman Teuris Olivares hit a two-run double to plate Nettles and Anderson. Smith then drove home Olivares with an RBI single to make the score 9-0.

The Patriots added a run in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI groundout by Rodriguez that scored Smith, who doubled earlier in the inning.

The Blue Crabs broke up the shutout on a solo home run by right fielder John Ramistella (5) to make the score 10-1.

Somerset scored four unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth inning after RBI hits by Burke, Granato, Smith, and Rodriguez for the 14-1 final.

Patriots starter Kip Bouknight (4-4) picked up the win, allowing just one hit in seven scoreless innings. Southern Maryland starter Kenny Rayborn (4-4) suffered the loss, allowing six runs, four earned, on seven hits in four innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Sunday afternoon with a 1:35 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game features a Father’s Day Celebration that includes Golf Balls (1st 1,000 Men 18 & Over) courtesy of The Law Offices of Jamison Mark, a pre-game Baseball Clinic, and a Fathers and Kids’ Catch on the field. There will also be a pre-game Autograph Session and all Dads and Kids get to Run The Bases after the game.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE!

Somerset took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning after designated hitter Teuris Olivares reached on an error, left fielder Elliott Ayala was hit by a pitch, and right fielder Jon Nelson singled to score Olivares.

Bridgeport tied the game in the top of the third inning after left fielder Tyrone Pendergrass singled, center fielder Adam Greenberg singled, and third baseman Luis Lopez singled to score Pendergrass to make the score 1-1.

The Bluefish took the lead in the top of the fourth inning.  Catcher Luis Rodriguez singled, shortstop Rayner Bautista doubled, and Pendergrass hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Rodriguez for a 2-1 advantage.

Bridgeport extended the lead with three more runs in the top of the fifth inning. Second baseman Enohel Polanco singled, Lopez singled, and designated hitter Brandon Sing followed with an RBI single. Right fielder Ryan Radmanovich drove home Lopez with an RBI double and Sing scored on an RBI single by Rodriguez for a 5-1 lead.

The Patriots scored in the bottom of the fifth inning after shortstop Anthony Granato walked, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by first baseman Josh Pressley to cut the lead to 5-2.

The Patriots added a run in the bottom of the sixth inning on a solo homerun by Olivares (5) to make the score 5-3.

The Bluefish scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning after first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke (1) hit a solo homerun, Pendergrass walked, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by Greenberg for a 7-3 lead.

Somerset scored in the bottom of the seventh after Granato, Pressley, and third baseman Jeff Nettles walked to load the bases and then catcher Travis Anderson walked to force in a run to make the score 7-4.

Designated hitter Brandon Sing (8) added a run for Bridgeport in the top of the eighth inning after a solo homerun  to left field.

The Patriots cut the lead to 8-7 in the bottom of the eighth inning.  Nelson (5) started the rally with a solo homerun, center fielder Sean Smith then reached on an error, Granato was hit by a pitch, and Pressley singled to score Nelson and Smith.  Second baseman Matt Hagen followed with an RBI single to plate Granato.

Bluefish starter Dan Reichert (5-4) picked up the win after allowing two earned runs on five hits and seven strikeouts in six innings pitched.  Patriots starter Jared Gothreaux (2-5) suffered the loss after allowing five earned runs on 13 hits in 4.2 innings pitched.  Reliever Matt Pike (1) picked up his first save for the Bluefish.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a double header beginning at 1:35 pm on Sunday, June 7th against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The game features Youth Batting Gloves for the first 1,500 kids courtesy of Topps Attax and a Pre-Game Autograph Session.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKET ON-LINE!

The Fireworks Show has been rescheduled for Saturday night. Fans with tickets for Friday night’s game can redeem their tickets for a future Somerset Patriots home game.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Saturday, June 6^th with a 7:05 pm game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The game will include Baseballs for the first 2,000 fans courtesy of Financial Resources Federal Credit Union and Post Game Fireworks. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Bridgeport took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning after center fielder Adam Greenberg walked, second baseman Enohel Polanco singled, and third baseman Luis Lopez hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Greenberg.

Somerset answered in the bottom of the second inning after third baseman Jeff Nettles singled, designated hitter Travis Anderson singled, and left fielder Elliott Ayala hit into a fielder’s choice to score Nettles.  Shortstop Anthony Granato followed with an RBI single for the 2-1 lead.

The Patriots added to their lead in the bottom of the third inning.  Right fielder Mike Rodriguez singled, stole second, and scored on a single by second baseman Matt Hagen.  Hagen advanced to second on a throwing error, moved to third on a fielder’s choice by Nettles, and scored on a passed ball to make the score 4-1.

The Bluefish scored in the top of the fourth inning after first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke doubled and shortstop Rayner Bautista doubled to drive him home and cut the lead to 4-2.

Somerset scored in the bottom of the fourth inning after catcher Jason Belcher singled, Ayala walked, and Granato reached on a fielder’s choice.  Belcher and Ayala then came around to score on a throwing error by Hoorelbeke.  Rodriguez followed with a single to plate Granato, stole second, and later scored on a single by Hagen.  Hagen then stole second and scored on an RBI single by Nettles for the 9-1 advantage.

The Patriots scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning.  Rodriguez walked, Hagen singled, and Nettles doubled to clear the bases for the 11-2 lead.

Patriots starter Brian Adams (5-2) picked up the win after allowing two earned runs on six hits and six strikeouts in six innings pitched. Bridgeport starter Gary Knotts (1-3) suffered the loss, allowing nine runs, four earned, on nine hits in 3.2 innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Friday, June 5th against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The game features a Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza presented by Wells Fargo Advisors of Warren.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKET ON-LINE!

Lancaster took the lead in the top of the first inning after second baseman Danny Bravo singled, center fielder Michael Woods singled, and third baseman Aaron Herr (3) hit a three run homerun to make the score 3-0.

Somerset scored in the bottom of the first inning after first baseman Josh Pressley walked and scored on an RBI double by second baseman Matt Hagen to cut the lead to 3-1.

The Barnstormers added to their lead in the top of the third inning.  Bravo doubled, Woods walked, and Herr tripled to clear the bases and make the score 5-1.

The Patriots rallied to score four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.  Pressley walked, Hagen reached on a fielder’s choice, designated hitter Jeff Nettles walked, and catcher Travis Anderson double to score Pressley and Hagen.  Third baseman Teuris Olivares then singled to score Nettles, left fielder Elliott Ayala walked, and center fielder Sean Smith walked to force home Anderson to tie the game 5-5.

Lancaster scored three in the top of the fifth inning after first baseman Bryan Sabatella singled and Bravo doubled to drive him home.  Herr (4) then hit his second homerun of the game to make the score 8-5.

Somerset added two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning after Hagen reached on a fielder’s choice and Anderson singled to drive him home.  Anderson then reached home on a pair of Lancaster throwing errors to trim the lead to 8-7.

The Patriots took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after shortstop Anthony Granato walked, stole second, and scored on an RBI singled by Smith.  Pressley then walked, Hagen doubled to plate Smith, and Nettles reached on an error that scored Pressley and Hagen.  Anderson followed with a double to score Nettles for the 12-8 advantage.

Somerset added a run in the bottom of the seventh inning.  Ayala singled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Smith for a 13-8 lead.

Lancaster cut the lead in the top of the ninth inning after left fielder David Housel singled, shortstop Lloyd Turner doubled, pinch hitter Amadeo Zazueta hit into a fielder’s choice to score Housel, and Bravo grounded out to third to score Turner for the 13-10 final.

Patriots relief pitcher Tip Fairchild (2-1) picked up the win after two scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two strikeouts in three innings pitched.  Barnstormers reliever Eric Junge (0-1) got the loss after surrendering two earned runs on three hits in an inning pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Thursday, June 4th against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The game features Car Magnets for the first 2,000 fans courtesy of TD Bank and Nascar Night.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKET ON-LINE!

Somerset took the lead in the bottom of the second inning after a solo homerun by designated hitter Jeff Nettles (2).  Catcher Jason Belcher walked, third baseman Teuris Olivares singled, and left fielder Elliott Ayala reached on an error to load the bases.  Shortstop Anthony Granato then walked to score Belcher, right fielder Mike Rodriguez hit into a fielder’s choice to score Olivares, and first baseman Josh Pressley (6) hit a three run homerun to make the score 6-0.

Lancaster scored a run in the top of the fourth inning after center fielder Michael Woods singled and scored on an RBI double by designated hitter L.J. Biernbaum.

The Patriots answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth inning when center fielder Sean Smith (2) hit an inside the park homerun to make the score 7-1.

Somerset added to their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.  Second baseman Matt Hagen walked and scored when Ayala singled to left field for an 8-1 lead.

The Barnstormers scored two in the top of the seventh inning after Woods singled and third baseman Aaron Herr (2) hit a homerun to cut the lead to 8-3.

The Patriots added a run in the bottom of the seventh inning.  Ayala was hit by a pitch and scored when Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly to right field for the 9-3 final.

Patriots starting pitcher Jim Magrane (5-0) picked up the win after allowing three earned runs on six hits and five strikeouts in eight innings pitched.  Barnstormers starter Juan Ovalles (1-3) got the loss after allowing six runs, one earned, on four hits in two innings pitched.
The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Wednesday, June 3rd against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game features Baseball Bingo for the first 2,000 fans courtesy of Petrock’s and Somerset County Teacher Appreciation Night.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKET ON-LINE!

The Barnstormers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning after shortstop Lloyd Turner singled, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by center fielder Michael Woods.

The Patriots answered in the bottom of the first inning after right fielder Mike Rodriguez reached on a fielder’s choice, stole second, and second baseman Matt Hagen singled to drive him home. Catcher Travis Anderson then singled to left center to score Hagen and make the score 2-1.

Somerset broke the game open with nine runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Designated hitter Jason Belcher doubled, Anderson was hit by a pitch, and third baseman Teuris Olivares doubled to plate Belcher. Left fielder Elliott Ayala then singled to score Olivares and shortstop Anthony Granato followed with a three run homerun (4) to make the score 7-1. First baseman Josh Pressley then reached on a bunt single, Hagen singled, and Belcher doubled to score Pressley. Anderson capped off the rally by hitting a three run homerun (2) to left field to make the score 11-1.

The Barnstormers added a run in the top of the fifth inning. Left fielder Michael Campbell doubled and first baseman Bryan Sabatella singled to make the score 11-2.

Lancaster cut the lead in the top of the sixth inning after designated hitter L.J. Biernbaum reached on an error, catcher Gerard Haran doubled, and right fielder Ryan Mulhern singled up the middle to score Biernbaum and Haran. Sabatella followed with a three run homerun (1) to center to make the score 11-7.

The Barnstormers made it an 11-9 game in the top of the eighth inning. Turner reached on a fielder’s choice, second baseman Danny Bravo singled, and Woods doubled to score Turner. Biernbaum then grounded out to score Bravo.

Patriots starting pitcher Josh Miller (5-2) picked up the win, allowing six runs, four earned, on seven hits in 5.2 innings pitched. Barnstormers starting pitcher Jason Scobie (1-2) got the loss after surrendering 11 earned runs on 13 hits in four innings pitched. Patriots closer Travis Minix (10) got the save after pitching a scoreless ninth inning to close out the victory.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Tuesday, June 2nd against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game features a chance to win $10,000 courtesy of Heineken Premium Light and Celebrate New Jersey Night. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Somerset broke a 7-7 tie with four runs in the top of the eighth inning to take an 11-7 lead. The Patriots loaded the bases on a lead off single to left by rightfielder Mike Rodriguez, an infield single up the middle by centerfielder Sean Smith and a one out intentional walk to designated hitter Josh Pressley. Second baseman Matt Hagen then cleared the bases with a grand slam (4) over the left field wall.

The Patriots struck first with two runs in the top of the third inning to take a 2-0 lead when Smith ripped a one out double to left center and scored on a two run home run to left off the bat of shortstop Anthony Granato (3).

The Bears answered with a run in the bottom of the third inning to cut the lead to 2-1 when second baseman Anthony Manuel led off with a triple into the right field corner and scored on a RBI groundout by centerfielder Tike Redman.

Somerset scored a run in the top of the fourth inning to take a 3-1 lead when third baseman Teuris Olivares slugged a one out solo home run (4) over the left field wall.

Newark again answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth inning to make it 3-2 when first baseman Rob Mackowiak doubled down the right field line and scored on a one out RBI single to left by Manuel.

The Patriots added a run in the top of the fifth inning to extend their lead to 4-2 when Granato lined a one out single to center, moved to second on a walk by Pressley and after stealing third, scored on an RBI single to left by Hagen .

Somerset then plated three runs in the top of the sixth inning to take a 7-2 lead. Leftfielder Elliott Ayala lined a two out single to left, stole second and scored on an RBI double to left center by Rodriguez. After a balk call and a walk by Smith, Rodriguez would scamper home on a Bears’ throwing error on a pickoff attempt.  Granato then lined an RBI single to center that plated Smith.

The Bears rallied for five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the game at 7-7. Shortstop Jansy Infante hit a lead off double to left center and scored on a one out RBI single to right by designated hitter Carl Everett. After a walk by leftfielder Charlton Jimerson, catcher Salomon Manriquez hit a two out two run single to right that plated both Everett and Jimerson. Third baseman Michael Sandoval then hit a two run home run (1) to left to cap the scoring.

Patriots’ reliever Casey Cahill (2-0) picked up the win, throwing a scoreless 0.1 innings. Bears’ reliever Shane Komine (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing one run on three hits while walking one and striking two in 1.1 innings pitched.

With the win the Patriots improved to 22-13 on the 2009 season while the Bears dropped to 19-16.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Monday, June 1st against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game features Computer and Electronic Recycling Night.  Bring in your used computer or electronics for the collection and receive a complimentary game ticket. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE!

In Game One, Somerset broke a 3-3 tie with a run in the top of the fifth inning to take a 4-3 lead when first baseman Josh Pressley crushed a one out solo home run (5) to left center field.

The Patriots added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning to make it 5-3 when rightfielder Mike Rodriguez led off with a single to left, stole second and scored on a one out RBI single to left by catcher Travis Anderson.

Newark struck first with three runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 3-0 lead.  Second baseman Andres Perez hit a one out triple to right center and after rightfielder Jay Gibbons was hit by a pitch, came around to score on an RBI groundout to second by designated hitter Carl Everett.  First baseman Salomon Manriquez then followed with a two out two run home run (2) to left center.

Somerset answered with two runs in the top of the second inning to cut the Bears lead to 3-2.  Second baseman Matt Hagen hit a broken bat bloop double down the right field line to lead off and scored on a one out RBI single to right by catcher Jason Belcher.  After a single to left by third baseman Teuris Olivares, shortstop Elliott Ayala ripped an RBI single to right center that plated Belcher.

The Patriots tied the game at 3-3 with a run in the top of the third inning when Belcher lined a bases loaded two out RBI single to left that scored Pressley.

Patriots’ starter Brian Adams (4-2) picked up the win, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four and walking none in five innings of work.  Bears’ reliever Oneli Perez (3-3) suffered the loss, allowing two runs on three hits while walking one and striking five in four innings pitched.  Patriots’ closer Travis Minix pitched a scoreless ninth for his ninth save of the season.

In Game Two, the Patriots struck first with a run in the top of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead when centerfielder Sean Smith lined a lead off triple to right center and scored on a sacrifice fly to center off the bat off rightfielder Mike Rodriguez.

Somerset added a run in the top of the third inning to make it a 2-0 lead when Rodriguez hit a two out infield single up the middle, advanced to second on a Bears’ throwing error and came home on an RBI single to left by Pressley.

The Bears plated a run in the bottom of the third inning to cut the lead to 2-1 when leftfielder Charlton Jimerson hit a one out double to left center and scored on an RBI double to right by Gibbons.

The Patriots broke the game open with a ten batter, seven run top of the fifth inning to take a commanding 9-1 lead.  Rodriguez blooped a one out double to shallow center and scored on an RBI double off the center field wall by Pressley.  After a two out walk by catcher Travis Anderson, Belcher lined a two run double to right center that plated both Pressley and Anderson.  Olivares then slapped an RBI single to right that scored Belcher and Ayala followed with an RBI single to right that brought in Olivares.  Shortstop Anthony Granato then capped the scoring by slugging a two run home run (2) to left.

Somerset scored their final run in the top of the seventh inning to make it 10-1 when Olivares ripped a double down the third base line, moved to second on a passed ball and scored on a sacrifice fly to center by Ayala.

Newark plated their final two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to make it 10-3.  Jimerson led off with a double into the right field corner and scored when Gibbons followed with an RBI double to right.  Gibbons would later score on a Patriots’ fielding error on a ground ball to third off the bat of first baseman Michael Hernandez.

Patriots’ reliever Casey Cahill (1-0) picked up the win, throwing two scoreless innings, allowing one hit while striking out none and walking two.  Bears’ starter Aaron Fultz (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing nine runs, eight earned, on eleven hits while walking two and striking one in 4.2 innings pitched.

With the sweep the Patriots improved to 21-13 on the 2009 season while the Bears dropped to 19-15.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Monday, June 1st against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game features Computer and Electronic Recycling Night.  Bring in your used computer or electronics for the collection and receive a complimentary game ticket. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE!

The Patriots broke a scoreless tie with a run in the top of the sixth inning to take a 1-0 lead when catcher Travis Anderson drew a two out bases loaded walk. Somerset loaded the bases on a one out walk by first baseman Josh Pressley, a single to center by third baseman Jeff Nettles and a single to left by second baseman Matt Hagen.

The Bears answered with three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to take a 3-1 lead when first baseman Rob Mackowiak hit a lead off infield single to short, moved to second on a one out single to left by third baseman Michael Sandoval and scored on a three run home run to center by catcher Saloman Manriquez (1).

Somerset scored their final run in the top of the eighth inning to cut the Bears lead to 3-2 when Nettles led off with a double to left center, moved to third on a single to right by Hagen and scored on an RBI single to center by designated hitter Teuris Olivares.

Bears’ starter Shawn Chacon (2-1) picked up the win, allowing one run on six hits while striking out eight and walking three in seven innings of work. Patriots’ starter Kip Bouknight (3-2) suffered the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits while walking none and striking out five in seven innings pitched. Bears’ closer Armando Benitez pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save of the season.

With the loss the Patriots dropped to 19-13 on the 2009 season while the Bears improved to 19-13.
The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Monday, June 1st against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game features Computer and Electronic Recycling Night.  Bring in your used computer or electronics for the collection and receive a complimentary game ticket. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE!

Somerset took a 1-0 lead after center fielder Sean Smith struck out and reached first on a wild pitch, stole second, advanced to third on an error, and scored when first baseman Josh Pressley grounded out to second.

The Patriots added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Second baseman Matt Hagen singled and catcher Travis Anderson doubled to score Hagen for a 2-0 lead.

Long Island tied the game in the top of the fifth inning after right fielder Johnny Hernandez doubled, stole third, and scored on a groundout by catcher John Pachot. Left fielder Gabe Suarez then singled and scored on an RBI single by third baseman Ray Navarrete to make the score 2-2.

Somerset broke the tie in the bottom of the fifth inning after right fielder Brandon Johnson walked and Pressley singled to score Johnson for a 3-2 lead.

The Ducks regained the lead in the top of the seventh inning. Hernandez was hit by a pitch and Pachot tripled to drive him home. Second baseman Matt Cavagnaro then singled to score Pachot and make the score 4-3.

Long Island added to their lead in the top of the eighth inning after designated hitter Raul Gonzalez singled and first baseman Victor Rodriguez followed with a two-run homerun (2).

The Patriots cut the lead to 6-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning after a solo homerun to left center by Pressley (4).

Ducks starting pitcher B.J. LaMura (1-3) picked up the win after allowing two earned runs on five hits and five strikeouts in six innings pitched. Patriots reliever Tip Fairchild (1-1) got the loss after surrendering two earned runs on a hit in 0.2 innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Monday, June 1st against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game features Computer and Electronic Recycling Night. Bring in your used computer or electronics for the collection and receive a complimentary game ticket.For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Somerset took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Designated hitter Sean Smith walked, stole second base, and scored on an RBI single by first baseman Josh Pressley. Catcher Jason Belcher then drove home Pressley with an RBI single.

Long Island cut the lead to 2-1 with a run in the top of the second inning. Left fielder Estee Harris doubled and scored on an RBI single by shortstop Gabe Suarez.

The Patriots extended the lead with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Shortstop Anthony Granato walked, Smith was hit by a pitch, and center fielder Mike Rodriguez singled to load the bases. Pressley drew a bases loaded walk to plate Granato and Smith scored when third baseman Jeff Nettles grounded into a triple play for a 4-1 lead.

The Patriots added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning on a solo home run by left fielder Jon Nelson (3) to make the score 5-1.

Somerset continued to roll with two more runs in the bottom of the fifth for a 7-1 advantage. Nettles and right fielder Matt Hagen each singled and Belcher and Nelson followed with back-to-back RBI singles.

The Ducks cut the lead to 7-2 after designated hitter Raul Gonzalez singled and scored on an RBI single by Johnny Hernandez.

Patriots starter Kip Bouknight (3-1) picked up the win, allowing two earned runs on six hits in six innings pitched. Ducks starter Randy Leek (1-4) suffered the loss, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits in 4.1 innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 1:35 pm game on Sunday afternoon against the Long Island Ducks. The game includes Youth Baseball Bats for the first 1,000 kids and SpongeBob Day. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Somerset took an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Center fielder Sean Smith singled, right fielder Mike Rodriguez drew a walk, and third baseman Jeff Nettles followed with an RBI groundout to plate Smith. Designated hitter Matt Hagen then doubled home Rodriguez and Hagen scored on an RBI single by second baseman Teuris Olivares.

The Patriots added a run in the bottom of the third inning. First baseman Josh Pressley walked and scored on an RBI double by Hagen for a 4-0 lead.

Somerset extended the lead on a solo home run by Olivares (3) in the bottom of the fourth inning to make the score 5-0.

The Patriots increased their lead to 6-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning after shortstop Anthony Granato walked and scored on an error by left fielder Estee Harris.

Long Island scored in the top of the eighth inning after first baseman Johnny Hernandez singled and later scored on an RBI single by catcher John Pachot.

Somerset added another run in the bottom of the eighth inning after Olivares walked and later scored on a fielder’s choice by Smith.

Patriots starting pitcher Jim Magrane (3-0) picked up the win after surrendering only four hits and an earned run in 7.2 innings pitched.  Ducks starter Jake Dittler (0-1) got the loss after giving up five earned runs on six hits in five innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Saturday night against the Long Island Ducks. The game includes a Post-Game Fireworks Show courtesy of AT&T.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Hall is among the Atlantic League leaders, hitting .319 with 29 hits, five doubles, a triple, four home runs, 21 RBI, and five stolen bases in 25 games with Somerset this season.

Hall was briefly with Somerset in 2007 before being signed by the Yankees and reporting to their Double-A affiliate. He finished his time there with a .292 average, 79 hits, 19 doubles, nine home runs, and 50 RBI in a championship season.

Last season, Hall split time between Double-A and Triple-A for the Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners. In Charlotte, the Triple-A affiliate for Chicago, Hall hit .292 with 14 hits and six RBI in 15 games. He finished the season in Double-A for the Mariners and had a .302 batting average with 13 hits, five doubles, and seven RBI in 15 games played.

In addition to his time with the Yankees, White Sox, and Mariners, Hall has experience in the Montreal Expos, Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, and Baltimore Orioles organizations. He has three seasons of Triple-A experience and has a minor league career average of .286 with 1,186 hits, 211 doubles, 50 triples, 101 home runs, 635 RBI, and 262 stolen bases.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford is now underway. Tickets for all 70 home games are on sale now. For more information, call (908) 252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Somerset took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Center fielder Sean Smith was hit by a pitch and later scored on a double play.

The Patriots added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Designated hitter Noah Hall singled and later scored on an RBI fielder’s choice by third baseman Jeff Nettles. Left fielder Jon Nelson drove home Nettles on an RBI fielder’s choice for a 3-0 advantage.

Patriots starter Josh Miller (3-2) picked up the win, allowing an earned run on seven hits and three strikeouts in 8.2 innings pitched. Lancaster starter Ben Fritz (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing three earned runs on eight hits in 6.1 innings pitched. Travis Minix earned his sixth save of the season for Somerset.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Friday night against the Long Island Ducks. The game includes Travis Anderson Home Run Figurines (1st 2,000) courtesy of Raritan Valley & Belle Mead Orthodontics. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Somerset took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning after center fielder Sean Smith singled, shortstop Anthony Granato singled, right fielder Noah Hall walked, and first baseman Josh Pressley followed with a sacrifice fly to score Smith.

The Barnstormers evened the score 1-1 in the top of the second inning.  First baseman Bryan Sabatella singled, stole second, and then scored on a base hit by left fielder Michael Campbell.

The Patriots regained the lead in the bottom of the second inning after catcher Travis Anderson walked and later scored on a double play.

Lancaster rallied to score six runs in the top of the third inning.  Third baseman Lloyd Turner reached on an error, second baseman Danny Bravo singled, designated hitter Aaron Herr walked, and center fielder L.J. Biernbaum singled to plate Turner.  Catcher Jed Morris followed with a three run double to score Bravo, Herr, and Biernbaum.  Sabatella then walked and shortstop Amadeo Zazueta tripled home Morris and Sabatella.

Somerset added a run in the bottom of the third inning after Pressley walked and later scored on a wild pitch to cut the lead to 7-3.

Left fielder Jon Nelson hit a solo homerun (2) in the bottom of the fourth inning for the Patriots to make the score 7-4.

The Barnstormers extended lead in the top of the seventh inning after right fielder Ryan Mulhern singled, Morris doubled, and Sabatella singled to score Mulhern.  Campbell followed with an RBI single to score Morris to make the score 9-4.

Lancaster scored again in the top of the eighth inning after Herr walked, Biernbaum singled, and Mulhern doubled to score Herr for an 11-4 advantage.

The Patriots scored once in the ninth inning to make the final 11-5 after Smith doubled and later scored on an RBI groundout by Pressley.

Barnstormers reliever Ross Peeples (1-1) picked up the win, allowing two hits in 2.2 scoreless innings pitched. Patriots starting pitcher Jared Gothreaux (2-3) got the loss, allowing seven runs, four earned, on seven hits in three innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Thursday night against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game includes Championship Baseball Card Strips (1st 2,000) courtesy of the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or  CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE!

Somerset took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning after right fielder Matt Hagen singled, stole second, catcher Jason Belcher walked, and shortstop Anthony Granato flied to center to score Hagen. Centerfielder Sean Smith then doubled to right field to plate Belcher.

The Patriots added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning when Granato walked, advanced to third base, and scored on a wild pitch.

Somerset increased their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning after first baseman Josh Pressley singled, third baseman Jeff Nettles singled, and Hagen doubled to score Pressley. Belcher followed with a single to score Nettles and Hagen reached home on an error by left fielder David Housel. Smith finished off the rally with a single to score Belcher and make the score 7-0.

The Patriots added three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning after Belcher doubled, Granato singled, and Smith followed with a home run (1) to make the score 10-0.

Patriots starting pitcher Brian Adams (3-2) picked up the win, allowing five hits and four strikeouts in seven scoreless innings pitched. Barnstormers starter Eric Ackerman (2-1) got the loss, surrendering seven runs, six earned, on eight hits in four innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Wednesday night against the Lancaster Barnstormers. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Somerset took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning after third baseman Jeff Nettles walked, catcher Travis Anderson doubled, and second baseman Teuris Olivares singled home Nettles. Shortstop Anthony Granato followed with a two-run double to plate Anderson and Olivares.

Lancaster cut the lead to 3-1 in the top of the third inning when shortstop Lloyd Turner doubled and second baseman Danny Bravo followed with an RBI double to score Turner.

The Barnstormers cut the lead to one in the top of the third inning. Catcher Jed Morris singled, designated hitter Ryan Mulhern doubled, and first baseman Bryan Sabatella hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Morris.

Lancaster tied the game in the top of the fifth inning when Bravo walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI single by right fielder L.J. Biernbaum to make the score 3-3.

Somerset took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after designated hitter Noah Hall singled and first baseman Josh Pressley doubled to score Hall. Right fielder Matt Hagen followed with a single to score Pressley and advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Anderson walked, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by Olivares. Granato hit a sacrifice fly to make the score 7-3.

The Patriots added to their lead in the bottom of the eighth inning after Anderson doubled, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI single by Olivares. Granato followed with a single advancing Olivares to second base. Left fielder Joe Burke hit a fly ball that was dropped by left fielder Michael Woods to score both Olivares and Granato to make the score 10-3.

Patriots reliever Tip Fairchild (1-0) picked up the win with three innings pitched, allowing two hits, and four strikeouts. Barnstormers starting pitcher Tom Cochran (2-2) suffered the loss, surrendering six runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with an 11:05 am game on Tuesday afternoon against the Lancaster Barnstormers. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

York took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Center fielder Kennard Jones singled and scored on an RBI fielder’s choice by right fielder Jason Aspito.

Somerset answered with seven runs in the bottom of the third inning. Shortstop Teuris Olivares doubled, center fielder Sean Smith walked, and right fielder Noah Hall drew a walk to load the bases. First baseman Josh Pressley then drew a bases loaded walk to plate Olivares to tie the game. Third baseman Jeff Nettles hit a two-run single to take the lead. After second baseman Matt Hagen drew a walk to load the bases again, Anderson followed with a grand slam (1) for a 7-1 lead.

York cut the lead to 7-2 with a run in the top of the fourth inning. Left fielder Ryan Goleski singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by catcher Luis Taveras.

The Patriots added seven more runs to the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Smith, right fielder Mike Rodriguez, and Hall all singled to load the bases. Pressley followed with a grand slam (3) to right center field. Nettles and Hagen then singled and Brandon Johnson was pit in as a pinch runner for Nettles. Olivares followed with an RBI double and left fielder Jon Nelson hit an RBI single. Smith closed out the scoring with a sacrifice fly to make the score 14-2.

Somerset added a run in the bottom of the sixth inning on a bases loaded walk to Pressley and the final run on a solo home run by Rodriguez (1) for the 16-2 final.

Patriots starter Josh Miller (1-2) picked up the win, allowing two earned runs on five hits and seven strikeouts in six innings pitched. York starter Dave Gassner (0-3) suffered the loss, allowing 11 runs, four earned, on ten hits in three innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Monday, May 18th when the Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Lancaster Barnstormers. The game includes Computer and Electronic Recycling Night courtesy of Village Office and Hannah Montana Night. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE!

The Riversharks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a solo home run by Spivey (1).

Camden scored a run in the top of the second when left fielder Wayne Lydon was hit by a pitch and later scored on an RBI single by right fielder Jeffrey Vincent for a 2-0 lead.

In the top of the third, Camden center fielder Christopher Walker walked and scored on an RBI double by Spivey. First baseman Brett Bonvechio then hit a two run home run (1) that gave the Riversharks a 5-0 advantage.

Somerset got on the board in the bottom of the third inning on a solo home run by shortstop Anthony Granato (1).

The Riversharks extended the lead with two runs in the top of the fourth inning. Vincent singled, stole second base, and scored on an RBI single by Walker. Walker would come around to score on an error on a single by Spivey for a 7-1 lead.

Camden scored again in the top of the fifth inning. Bonvechio singled and later scored on a dropped line drive to make the score 8-1.

The Patriots cut the lead to 8-5 with four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. After three walks loaded the bases, pinch hitter Teuris Olivares hit a grand slam (1) to center field in his first at bat of the season.

The Riversharks added a run in the top of the ninth inning on an RBI single by Spivey.

Camden starter Dewon Brazelton (1-0) picked up the win, allowing an earned run on four hits in six innings pitched. Patriots starter Jared Gothreaux (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing seven runs, five earned, on seven hits in four innings pitched.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game on Tuesday, April 28th against the Newark Bears. The game includes a Job Fair at TD Bank Ballpark. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700.

The Riversharks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Second baseman Michael Abernathy doubled and scored on an RBI groundout by first baseman Vito Chiaravalloti.

Camden added two runs to the lead in the top of the third inning. Catcher Jason Jacobs doubled and scored on an error that allowed center fielder Christopher Walker to reach safely. Walker later scored on an error for a 3-0 lead.

The Patriots cut the lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning. First baseman Josh Pressley singled and scored on a two-run home run by second baseman Matt Hagen (1).

Camden answered with two runs in the top of the seventh inning. Left fielder Wayne Lydon reached on an error and designated hitter Manny Mejia singled. After Jeffrey Vincent was put in as a pinch runner for Mejia, catcher Frederick Torres drove in Lydon with an RBI single. Vincent came around to score on a fielder’s choice that allowed Walker to reach first safely for a 5-2 lead.

Somerset cut the lead to one run again in the bottom of the seventh inning. Center fielder Sean Smith singled and scored on a two-run home run by designated hitter Noah Hall (1) to make the score 5-4.

The Riversharks put the game out of reach with four unearned runs on two Patriots errors in the top of the ninth inning.

Camden starter Nate Bump (1-0) picked up the win, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and five strikeouts in six innings pitched. Patriots starter Brian Adams (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing three runs, two earned, on four hits and four strikeouts in six innings pitched. Tracy Thorpe earned his first save of the season, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings with a strikeout.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue with a 1:35 pm game on Sunday, April 26th against the Camden Riversharks at TD Bank Ballpark. The first 1,500 kids in attendance will receive a Youth Jersey courtesy of Raritan Valley & Belle Mead Orthodontics. The game includes Kids Opening Day with an Autograph Session and a chance for kids to Run The Bases after the game. The Patriots will include Autism Awareness Day at the ballpark. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Riversharks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Third baseman Brian Burgamy tripled and scored on a groundout.

Camden extended the lead with two runs in the top of the sixth inning. First baseman Brett Bonvechio singled and Burgamy drew a walk to put runners on first and second. Left fielder Wayne Lydon singled home Bonvechio and advanced Burgamy to third. Shortstop Kyle Haines then hit a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage.

The Riversharks added two runs in the top of the seventh inning. Second baseman Michael Abernathy hit a solo home run (1) to left field. Right fielder Val Majewski singled and later scored on an RBI single by Burgamy to take a 5-0 lead.

Camden starter Ryan Drese (1-0) picked up the win, allowing four hits over five scoreless innings. Patriots starter Kip Bouknight (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing an earned run on four hits in five innings pitched.

Patriots reliever Scott VanEs worked two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his professional debut.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue with a 7:05 pm game on Saturday, April 25th against the Camden Riversharks at TD Bank Ballpark. All fans in attendance will receive Schedule Magnets courtesy of The Driving Center. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or CLICK HERE!

The Patriots continued the celebration by defeating the Camden Riversharks 4-1 before 6,237 fans at TD Bank Ballpark.   The Patriots broke a 1-1 tie with three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Shortstop Anthony Granato walked, center fielder Sean Smith singled, and designated hitter Noah Hall followed with a two-run triple. Third baseman Jeff Nettles then singled home Hall for a 4-1 advantage.   The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Hall walked, first baseman Josh Pressley walked, and second baseman Matt Hagen singled home Hall for the early lead.   Camden tied up the game with a run in the top of the fifth inning. Left fielder Wayne Lydon singled, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by shortstop Kyle Haines.   Patriots reliever Ryan Basner (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless inning pitched with a strikeout. Camden reliever Shaun Parker (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing two earned runs on a hit in 0.1 innings pitched. Travis Minix earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning pitched.   Patriots starter Jim Magrane pitched 5.2 innings and allowed an earned run on four hits and three strikeouts in a no decision.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue with a 7:05 pm game on Friday, April 24^th against the Camden Riversharks at TD Bank Ballpark. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Championship T-Shirt courtesy of Middlesex County College. For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, Click Here!

The Patriots broke a 1-1 tie with three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Shortstop Anthony Granato walked, center fielder Sean Smith singled, and designated hitter Noah Hall followed with a two-run triple. Third baseman Jeff Nettles then singled home Hall for a 4-1 advantage.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Hall walked, first baseman Josh Pressley walked, and second baseman Matt Hagen singled home Hall for the early lead.

Camden tied up the game with a run in the top of the fifth inning. Left fielder Wayne Lydon singled, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by shortstop Kyle Haines.

Patriots reliever Ryan Basner (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless inning pitched with a strikeout. Camden reliever Shaun Parker (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing two earned runs on a hit in 0.1 innings pitched. Travis Minix earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning pitched.

Patriots starter Jim Magrane pitched 5.2 innings and allowed an earned run on four hits and three strikeouts in a no decision.

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue with a 7:05 pm game on Friday, April 24th against the Camden Riversharks at TD Bank Ballpark. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Championship T-Shirt courtesy of Middlesex County College.  For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700.

“It’s a dream come true. That’s what you dream about as a kid,” Anderson said of his first walk-off home run in six seasons in the Atlantic League.

“It couldn’t have happened to a better guy,” post season Most Valuable Player Brandon Larson said. “We knew it was going to be someone who wasn’t in the limelight all season who was going to come out and win it for us.”

“(Alec Zumwalt) threw me a fastball early. I saw it really well. I don’t think he wanted to throw that pitch,” said Anderson.

Anderson made such solid contact with the ball, his teammates were out of the dugout to congratulate him before the ball left the stadium.

Late into the game, it seemed inevitable a decisive game five would be needed. Camden’s starting pitcher Jake Dittler pitched seven shutout innings, allowing only three hits and two walks to a Patriots offense that scored 14 runs the night before.

Somerset received five-plus innings of solid pitching from their starter, Kip Bouknight. Bouknight gave up one early run on six hits and two walks.

In the top of the eighth inning, the Riversharks took the air out of the Somerset home crowd when center fielder L.J. Biernbaum scored against relief pitcher John Hunton on a double by designated hitter Ron Davenport and a throwing error by left fielder Elliott Ayala.

Biernbaum was 3-3 with a walk, a run and a run batted in Monday night for the Sharks.

Up 2-0 in the bottom of the eighth, the Riversharks sent in major league veteran Felix Rodriguez to wrap up the game.

With one out, centerfielder Sean Smith took Rodriguez deep into the pitch count before hitting a double to the warning track in left field.

“I’m the sparkplug on the team,” Smith said of his energizing hit. “I know what my job is.”

Shortstop Teuris Olivares then hit the ball just to he left of second base and into the outfield, scoring Smith for the first Patriot run of the game.

Rodriguez then walked Josh Pressley and struck out Larson, bringing up Jason Belcher. On a 1-2 pitch, Rodriguez hit Belcher to load the bases and, moments later, hit Matt Hagen in the chest to walk in the tying run.

Camden pulled Rodriguez in favor of Zumwalt (L, 1-1), who struck out Ryan Radmanovich to end the rally. But the Somerset crowd had been woken up and the scene had been set for Anderson’s series-ending blast.

Closer Brian Reith (1-0) was awarded the win for the Patriots. Reith also had three saves in six post season games.

Despite going 0-4 Monday, Larson won playoff MVP for hitting 11-24 (.458) against the Riversharks and the York Revolution. Larson hit three home runs and drove in seven RBI in six post season games.

“You live for these moments as a baseball player,” Larson said in the jubilant locker room.

The 29 runs scored by the Patriots broke the Atlantic League record for most runs plated in a Championship series, breaking the Atlantic City Surf’s 1998 mark of 27.

This was the first championship won by the Patriots at home. The Patriots are now 8-0 in series clinching games in the team’s 11 year history.

The victory gave Brian Tolberg (1-0) his first win of the season. Tolberg pitched six innings, allowing two runs on two hits and no walks. He struck out three in only his second start of the season.

Somerset made sure early on that its pitcher would not have to worry about run support. First Baseman Josh Pressley tied teammate Brandon Larson for the league lead and the team record for home runs with a three-RBI blast in the first inning. Pressley has 29 home runs this season and has tallied eight RBI so far in this series.

Barnstormer pitcher Ben Fritz (3-1) gave up six earned runs in his five-plus innings of work. Fritz allowed nine hits and three walks before being pulled in favor of Eric Ackerman.

The Patriots tacked on five more runs in the sixth, including two unearned against Ackerman on a throwing error by short stop Mike Caruso.

Lancaster’s only runs came in the third inning on catcher David Castillo’s two-run homer to center field.

Jason Richardson, Steve Kelly and Casey Cahill combined for three innings of shutout relief pitching for Somerset, but no save was awarded.

The offensive output by the home team was assisted by right fielder Ryan Radmanovich and catcher Tyler Anderson, who combined for two runs and two RBI. Third baseman Matt Hagen was 1-3, adding two stolen bases (30) for the Patriots.

Somerset closes out the home portion of the regular season Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. against the Barnstormers. The team finishes out the schedule in Newark starting Thursday. Wednesday is “Fan Appreciation Night” at Commerce Bank Park, featuring an appearance by the Zooperstars.

The Somerset Patriots jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning and, with pitcher Brian Adams (W, 11-7) on the mound for eight solid innings, never looked back through the 10-5 victory.

Adams, in his longest start of the season, faced 34 batters and gave up three runs on 10 hits. He walked one and struck out five.

His Lancaster counterpart, Mac Nelson (L, 1-1), did not fare as well. Nelson was pulled in the third inning after giving up five runs and loading the bases. In his two and two-thirds innings of work, Nelson walked four, struck out one and gave up six hits that lead to six earned runs.

The Patriots began the evening when Nelson walked lead off man Elliott Ayala and second baseman Teuris Olivares. Designated hitter Joe Burke, a new addition to the team, bunted the runners over for first baseman Josh Pressley, who doubled into right field for two RBI. Pressley went 3-4, with two runs and five RBI. Third baseman Matt Hagen singled to left, scoring Pressley. Hagen then stole second base, and recent Somerset addition Anthony Granato looped a single into right field, sending Hagan home. Catcher Travis Anderson ended the inning when he slapped a single off of the short stop’s glove and left fielder Mike Woods threw Granato out at the plate.

The Barnstormers refused to take a dive, though. Lancaster threatened in the third inning, sending four base runners against Adams, but none were able to score. In the fifth inning, center fielder Gary Harris hit a fielder’s choice single, bringing Argenis Tavarez in for the first Barnstormer point of the evening.

Lancaster tacked on two more runs in the sixth, including an RBI triple by second baseman Lloyd Turner. With the hit, Turner set the Atlantic League single season record for triples with 12.

The Patriots answered back with a four-run eighth inning. Somerset recorded four hits and four runs (three earned) off relief pitcher Wes Wilkerson, making the score 10-3.

John Hunton came in the ninth to close the game for the Patriots. Lancaster instead rallied when Hunton walked Tavarez and Wood. DH Matt LeCroy doubled off the right field wall, scoring both runners. When he crossed the plate, Woods set the single season record for runs scored at 114, besting Billy Hall’s former record of 113. The rally ended when the next batter, right fielder Bryan Sabatella, grounded into a 6-3 double play. Hunton did not qualify for a save.

The Barnstormers were led by Woods, who was 3-4 with a walk and a run. Along with Pressley’s big performance, the Patriots were helped by Olivares, who went 2-4 with one walk, two runs and one RBI. The RBI came with the bases loaded in the third, extending Olivares’ streak to nine RBI in his nine appearances this season with the bases loaded.

Tuesday, the two teams match up again in Bridgewater. The 7:05 p.m. start features Ben Fritz (3-0) for the Barnstormers against Brian Tolberg (0-0) of the Patriots on “Irish Night,” “Halloween Night,” and “Rally Towel Night.”

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Shortstop Elliott Ayala was hit by a pitch, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, and scored on an RBI single by first baseman Josh Pressley.

Bridgeport tied up the game with a run in the top of the third inning. Designated hitter Wilson Batista singled and later scored on an RBI single by shortstop Alex Prieto.

Somerset regained the lead with two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Left fielder Mike Lockwood singled, third baseman Matt Hagen singled, and Radmanovich followed with an RBI single. Hagen would come home on a double play that gave the Patriots a 3-1 lead.

The Bluefish cut the lead to one with a run in the top of the fourth inning on a solo home run by right fielder Ryan Bear (8).

The Patriots scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Pressley singled, Lockwood singled, and Radmanovich then hit a three-run home run (6) to make the score 6-2.

Somerset added a run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Ayala walked and scored on an RBI double by second baseman Teuris Olivares for a 7-2 advantage.

The Patriots broke the game open even more with ten runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Lockwood single, Hagen singled, and catcher Travis Anderson drew a walk to load the bases. Center fielder Sean Smith then drove in two runs with a double. Ayala’s RBI single plated Anderson and Olivares singled home Smith. With the bases still loaded, Pressley, Lockwood, and Hagen drew back-to-back-to back walks to keep the bases loaded. Radmanovich then cleared the bases with his second home run of the game, a grand slam (7) over the train tracks in right field for a 17-2 lead.

Bridgeport added four runs in the last two innings to make it a 17-6 final score. Patriots starter Brian Adams (10-6) picked up the win, allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits and nine strikeouts in six innings pitched. Bluefish starter Mark Romanczuk (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing three earned runs on eight hits in three innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Monday night with a 6:05 pm game against the Camden Riversharks. The game includes a Labor Day Fireworks Extravaganza presented by News 12 New Jersey. Great seats are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Blue Crabs broke a scoreless tie with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 2-0 lead. Third baseman Patrick Osborn hit a two out single to left and moved to third on a double down the right field line by designated hitter Clinton Johnston. Second baseman Chris Maples then hit a bloop two run single down the right field line that scored both Osborn and Maples.

The Patriots sent eight men to the plate and rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh inning to take a 4-2 lead. Shortstop Teuris Olivares led off with a solo home run (7) to left and then designated hitter Josh Pressley lined a one out single to right. After first baseman Vito Chiaravalloti drew a walk, leftfielder Mike Lockwood ripped an RBI single to center that plated Pressley. Rightfielder Elliott Ayala then lined a two out two run double off the top of the left field wall that drove in both Chiaravalloti and Lockwood.

Somerset added an insurance run in the top of the eighth inning to extend their lead to 5-2 when centerfielder Sean Smith drew a lead off walk and came around to score on a RBI triple into the right field corner by Olivares.

Southern Maryland scored their final run in the bottom of the eighth inning to cut the Patriots lead to 5-3 when centerfielder Jeremy Owens led off with a double to left, moved to third on a single to left by catcher Adam Shorsher and scored on a double play ball off the bat of shortstop George Sandel.

Patriots’ starter Kip Bouknight (3-0) picked up the win, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking none in seven innings of work. Blue Crabs’ reliever Brock Till (0-3) suffered the loss, allowing three runs on two hits while walking one and striking out none in 0.1 innings pitched. Patriots’ closer Brian Reith struck out the side in the ninth to record his 12th save of the year.

With the win the Patriots improved to 19-23 in the second half and 59-53 overall on 2008 season while the Blue Crabs dropped to 22-20 and 58-54.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on Tuesday, August 26th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the York Revolution. The game includes Rulers (1st 1,500 Kids) presented by Staffing Alternatives. Great seats are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Southern Maryland struck first with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 2-0 lead. The Blue Crabs loaded the bases on a single to right center by rightfielder John Ramistella, a hit-by-pitch to designated hitter James Shanks and a walk to third baseman Patrick Osborn. Second baseman Chris Maples followed with RBI single to left that plated Ramistella and then first baseman Clinton Johnston hit a sacrifice fly to center that scored Shanks.

Somerset got a run back in the top of the second inning to make it 2-1 when designated hitter Kevin Kotch drew a one out walk, advanced into scoring position on a single to center by leftfielder Elliott Ayala and scored on a Blue Crabs’ fielding error on a ground ball to short off the bat of second baseman Gera Alvarez.

The Blue Crabs added two runs in the bottom of the third inning to extend their lead to 4-1. Ramistella led off with a triple to right center and after a one out intentional walk to Osborn, came around to score on a RBI single to right center by Maples. Then after Johnston drew a walk, centerfielder Jeremy Owens hit a sacrifice fly to left that drove in Osborn.

Southern Maryland plated an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth inning to make it 5-1 when shortstop Enohel Polanco hit a one out single to center and came around to score on a two out hit-and-run infield single to third by Shanks and a Patriots’ throwing error.

The Blue Crabs scored another run in the bottom of the fifth inning to make it 6-1 when Maples led off with a double to left center and came around to score on a one out RBI double down the left field line by Owens.

Southern Maryland scored their final two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to make it 8-1. Leftfielder Eric Crozier led off with a single to left and moved to second on a one out single to center by Polanco. Ramistella then hit a RBI double off the left field wall that scored Crozier and Shanks followed with a sacrifice fly to center that plated Polanco.

Blue Crabs’ starter Joe Gannon (9-4) picked up the complete game win, allowing one unearned run on four hits while striking out ten and walking four in nine innings of work. Patriots’ starter Josh Brey (6-4) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on four hits while walking three and striking out two in three innings pitched.

With the loss the Patriots dropped to 18-23 in the second half and 58-53 overall on 2008 season while the Blue Crabs improved to 22-19 and 58-53.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Tuesday, August 26th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the York Revolution. The game includes Rulers (1st 1,500 Kids) presented by Staffing Alternatives. Great seats are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots struck first with three runs in the top of the first inning to take an early 3-0 lead. Shortstop Teuris Olivares ripped a one out solo home run (6) to left and after third baseman Brandon Larson drew a walk, first baseman Josh Pressley crushed a two run home run to right center, his league leading 26th home run of the season.

The Blue Crabs answered with two runs in the bottom of the second inning to make it 3-2 when second baseman Chris Maples hit a two run home run (17) to left after a lead off single to left by third baseman Patrick Osborn.

Somerset added a run in the top of the fourth inning to extend their lead to 4-2 when catcher Jason Belcher ripped a two out double off the center field wall and scored on an RBI single to center by leftfielder Elliott Ayala.

The Patriots rallied for three runs in the top of the fifth inning to take a 7-2 lead. Olivares led off with a single to left and moved to second on a one out single to right by Pressley. Rightfielder Matt Hagen then lined a RBI single to center that plated Olivares and after a Blue Crabs throwing error, catcher Jason Belcher followed with a two run single to center that scored both Pressley and Hagen.

Southern Maryland scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to cut the Patriots lead to 7-6. The Blue Crabs loaded the bases on a lead off double to left center by rightfielder John Ramistella, a single to left by designated hitter James Shanks and a walk by Osborn. Maples then cleared the bases with a grand slam home run (18) to left, his second of the game.

Patriots’ starter Aaron Fultz (4-4) picked up the win, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out six and walking four in six innings of work. Blue Crabs’ starter Jonathan Connolly (3-5) suffered the loss, allowing seven runs, six earned, on seven hits while walking two and striking out four in 4.1 innings pitched. Patriots’ closer Brian Reith pitched the final 1.2 scoreless innings for his 11th save of the year.

With the win the Patriots improved to 18-22 in the second half and 58-52 overall on 2008 season while the Blue Crabs dropped to 21-19 and 57-53.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Tuesday, August 26th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the York Revolution. The game includes Rulers (1st 1,500 Kids) presented by Staffing Alternatives. Great seats are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Carl Everett continued his meteoric rise up the offensive leader-boards, driving in two runs to support Lance Davis’ season-best effort as the Ducks swept the Somerset Patriots via a 6-0 victory Wednesday night.

Davis pitched a complete-game shutout, capping a 10-game homestand in which his club went 9-1. Edgardo Alfonzo broke open the scoring in the third, lining a two-run double to score the first of Nook Logan’s three runs on the evening.

In just 2:10, Davis helped produce the fastest game of the year after limiting the Patriots to just three hits. The southpaw, who limited Southern Maryland to just four hits in six innings last time out, has tossed 15 scoreless innings in his last two starts, improving to 3-2.

“That’s vintage Lance right there; 87 pitches,” manager Dave LaPoint said. “You keep building, building, building and the pitching just keeps getting stronger.”

Everett padded the one-run lead in the fifth, lining an opposite-field single to score Logan and Alfonzo for the insurance runs. The hot-hitting switch-hitter helped the Ducks extended its winning streak to eight, racketing his RBI total up to 87.

For good measure, Alfonzo belted his sixth homer of the season; lifting a two-run shot in the seventh to make it 5-0. Richard Hidalgo’s garbage time solo homer added the final run, providing Ducks with momentum entering a four-game series in Newark starting Thursday night.

“The whole thing right now; it doesn’t really matter home or road,” LaPoint said. “The pitching has been so good wherever we go. I think they’re building confidence with each other. They are all trying to get off to good starts so we can score some runs.”

When the Ducks arrived home Aug. 11, it trailed Southern Maryland by a game in the Liberty Division standings. The Flock’s only blemish on the homestand was a two-run loss in the second game. During the nearly two-week stretch that included sellouts for all 10 games, the Ducks outscored the Blue Crabs, Barnstormers and Patriots 77-37 and forged a five-game first-place lead.

Davis, the lone member on the current playing roster who was on the Ducks 2004 championship squad, even exceed fellow lefty Randy Leek’s outing on Sunday when the staff ace hurled a complete-game five hitter. With Abe Alvarez, Jose Paniagua and Alay Soler also picking up victories, the rotation is no longer a weakness.

Davis struck out four batters and pitched past the sixth inning for the first time in five starts since leaving home in Florida and joining the Ducks at the end of July.

“I feel really comfortable,” Davis said. “When I first got here, I had to get some innings in and get underneath myself. Now, I feel like my arm is alive and we have a really good defense behind me. You just have to use everybody.”

Somerset flubbed two routine ground balls in the third inning Monday night. Consider that the key to failure, as the Ducks capitalized by scoring five runs en route to a 13-4 blowout victory over Somerset in Game 2. By sweeping the doubleheader over the Patriots, the Ducks extended its winning streak to six and have now won 11 in the past 13.

The surging Ducks offense was mostly quiet in the opener of the twin seven-inning contests. But Rob Sandora produced the clutch hit, breaking a tie via a two-out RBI single in the sixth inning as the Ducks won Game 1, 3-2, in front of the 38th sold-out crowd at Citibank Park this season.

Earlier in the evening, Southern Maryland snapped an eight-game losing streak. But the Ducks still gained a half-game in the Liberty Division standings, now sitting four games on the top spot.

“It’s good because we have to work for everything we’re getting right now,” manager Dave LaPoint said. “Everybody’s working pretty hard to get there. They feel good about themselves.”

Despite playing just seven innings, the Ducks still cracked the double-digit run total for the fourth time in six games. Kevin Haverbusch continued his torrid hitting in the nightcap, recording three RBIs to support Jose Paniagua’s strong start. Pete Rose Jr.’s grand slam padded the run total and allowed LaPoint to rest the majority of his key relievers.

Following Abe Alvarez’s complete-game, two run gem, Paniagua followed with another quality start in the second game. The righty did not allow an earned run in five innings, improving to 3-0 as the Ducks are riding its longest winning streak of the season.

“What’s good about us is, if there’s a guy on second with less than two outs, we’re going to try and get them over for the next guy,” Rose said. “The big thing is if I don’t get my job done, other guys will pick me up.

“Guys are starting to understand that if we don’t get the job done, we have confidence in the guys behind us that they will pick us up.”

The Ducks batted around in the second, scoring five times against Somerset’s Josh Brey. Richard Hidalgo’s leadoff single resulted in a run two batters later. Damian Rolls saw his 22-game hitting streak end in the first game but started a new ledger in his first at-bat, driving home Hidalgo before scoring on Haverbusch’s single.

Nook Logan added a two-run triple and scored on Carl Everett’s RBI infield single as the Ducks forged a 5-0 lead. The only bad news for the Ducks was Hidalgo exiting after making the last out in the third. The former Mets outfielder did not come out for the top of the third. Sandora entered into the game as his replacement.

“He jammed his hip a little bit going back to first base,” LaPoint said about Hidalgo, who he listed as day-to-day. “We had a big lead. There was no sense in taking a chance and running him out there anymore. I’m sure if he gets some rest tonight, he’ll be fine tomorrow.”

Edgardo Alfonzo misplayed a pop up to start the third. That miscue led to two unearned runs on a pair of sac flies. Paniagua would not allow another runner to cross the plate, giving way to Ryan Knippschild with a 12-2 lead to start the sixth.

The Ducks turned the game into a laugher in the fourth. Brey retired the first batter and induced Rolls to hit a slow roller to first. Josh Pressley couldn’t keep the ball in his glove for an error and a walk to Pogue chased Brey.

Rick Asadoorian entered and struck out his first batter. A walk loaded the bases but Asadoorian appeared to get out of the jam, forcing Dennis Donovan to hit a grounder to short. Teuris Olivares booted the ball, allowing Rolls to score while reloading the bases for Rose.

Rose drilled his ninth homer of the season, taking Asadoorian’s offering to right that fell just short of the second row of advertisements. All five runs in the inning were unearned.

Carl Everett continued his torrid hitting, moving up all three Triple Crown categories by blasting a solo homer to start the sixth. Everett’s 23rd homer off Steve Keller tied the seven-inning contest at 2. Ray Navarrete followed with a double and advanced to third on Richard Hidalgo’s groundout.

Damian Rolls saw his 22-game hitting streak end in ignominious fashion, striking out to waste a quality chance. Rolls finished 0-3, though Sandora picked him up by lacing an opposite-field single to right to plate Navarrete and open a one-run lead.

By Atlantic League rules, twinight twin-bills consist of two seven-inning games. Ducks starter Abe Alvarez stayed in to close it out before nearly giving away the lead. Somerset’s Travis Anderson belted a double to start the seventh, advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt.

Alvarez, who is emerging as a key rotation member, induced the biggest out of the game by forcing Elliot Ayala to ground out. Edgardo Alfonzo actually needed to leave his feet at shortstop to field the bounce off Ayala’s bat, but gloved it and fired a strike to Rose at first for the second out. Sean Smith flied out to shallow right, allowing the Ducks to extend its winning streak to five.

“Abe coming back the way he did, that was a great game he pitched,” manager Dave LaPoint said. “They’re doing it at the right time. The pitchers are going late into the games and saving the bullpen.

“They’re all doing their jobs right now.”

Somerset pulled ahead of the pitchers’ duel in the sixth. Alvarez had retired 10 of the last 11 batters he faced before Matt Hagen lifted a full-count offering into the Patriots bullpen in left. The two-out solo shot put the visitors up 2-1.

Alvarez’s only other mistake came in the third when Smith’s RBI single plated Vito Chiaravalloti to open the scoring. The southpaw still improved to 6-1 and lowered his ERA from the 3.58 mark with which he entered. Since coming to Long Island in trade with Camden for Jamal Strong, Alvarez has made the transition from reliever to starter. The former Red Sox pitcher notched his first complete game of the season, striking out five and walking three.

Everett started the evening just nine RBIs behind Pat Osborn for the league lead. The switch-hitting veteran also was fourth in average and moved just two homers behind Somerset’s Josh Pressley for the Atlantic League home run lead. The former major league All-Star still has an outside chance of the Atlantic League’s first Triple Crown with almost five weeks remaining in the regular season schedule.

In the last game of a seven game home stand, the York Revolution won 3-2 behind seven shutout innings of pitching by Rolando Viera (1-0).

Viera allowed three hits and one walk and struck out three batters, stymieing the Somerset batters.

The Revolution put up just enough runs early in the game to give Viera the win. The third and fifth innings mirrored each other, with catcher Sandy Aracena leading off with walks, followed by sacrifices by second baseman Jose Enrique Cruz to advance Aracena to second.

In both innings, shortstop Keoni De Renne then singled, allowing center fielder Kennard Jones to hit sac flies to the outfield, which scored Aracena. Jones finished the day 0-2, with two RBI. First baseman Chris Ashby then grounded out to end both innings.

Patriots pitcher Aaron Fultz (3-4) gave up all three runs earned by the Revolution, including the go-ahead home run by designated hitter Matt Dryer in the top of the ninth. Casey Cahill replaced Fultz after the home run.

Fultz finished his eight innings pitched with six hits, three earned runs, three walks and five strikeouts.

Somerset scored their first run in the eighth inning, on an RBI single by designated hitter Josh Pressley against relief pitcher Juan Padilla, who pitched just one-third of an inning, giving up a run on two hits and a walk.

In the ninth, the Patriots started their rally with a double by catcher Jason Belcher down the left field line. First baseman Travis Anderson also doubled in almost the exact spot of Belcher’s hit, allowing Belcher to come around and score. With no one out, down 3-2, Anderson was the tying run and on second base.

Shortstop Elliott Ayala hit a grounder to the second baseman, and was thrown out at first, but Anderson was able to advance to third.

Third baseman Gera Alvarez then tipped a ball foul, right into the hands of the catcher. He was tagged out before he thought about running to first.

With two outs, center fielder Sean Smith worked relief pitcher Franklin Nunez deep into the count, but was called out looking at a third strike. Nunez earned his third save of the season.

Anderson was 1-1 with an RBI, and Pressley was 1-4 with the other Patriot RBI.
The Patriots begin a seven game road trip Monday, beginning with a three game series at the Long Island Ducks. They return to Bridgewater Tuesday, August 26 for eight straight home games.

The Patriots took a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Center fielder Sean Smith singled and third baseman Brandon Larson was hit by a pitch. First baseman Josh Pressley followed with an RBI double to score Smith. Left fielder Matt Hagen then hit a two-run double and scored on an RBI single by catcher Jason Belcher.

York cut the lead in half with two runs in the top of the second inning. Third baseman Matt Padgett walked, designated hitter Matt Dryer singled, and both runners scored on a two run single by shortstop Keoni DeRenne to make the score 4-2.

Somerset added to the lead with a run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Smith singled and later scored on an RBI double by shortstop Teuris Olivares.

The Patriots made the score 7-2 with two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Hagen doubled and scored on an RBI single by right fielder Elliott Ayala. Ayala would come around to score on an error.

Patriots starter Jim Magrane (5-9) picked up the win, allowing two earned runs on four hits in seven innings pitched. York starter Wayne Franklin (6-5) suffered the loss, allowing seven runs, six earned, on ten hits in six innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 5:05 pm game against the York Revolution on Sunday evening. The game includes T-Shirts (1st 2,000) courtesy of Flemington Department Store and Olympic Night. Great seats are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Shortstop Teuris Olivares doubled and scored on an RBI groundout by catcher Jason Belcher.

Somerset added a run in the bottom of the third inning on a solo home run by first baseman Josh Pressley (25) for a 2-0 lead.

The Patriots extended the lead to 3-0 on a solo home run by center fielder Sean Smith (13) in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Somerset continued to add to the lead with another run on the bottom of the fifth inning. Pressley walked and later scored on a sacrifice fly by designated hitter Vito Chiaravalloti.

York got on the board with a run in the top of the sixth inning. Second baseman Jose Cruz walked and later scored on a sacrifice fly by right fielder Jason Aspito.

The Revolution took the lead with six runs in the top of the seventh inning. Third baseman Matt Dryer hit a solo home run (12) to make the score 4-2. Catcher Sandy Aracena then reached on a double, shortstop Keoni DeRenne was hit by a pitch, and center fielder Kennard Jones singled to load the bases. After second baseman Jose Cruz drew a bases loaded walk to plate Aracena, Aspito hit a grand slam (18) to give York a 7-4 advantage.

Somerset cut the lead to 7-6 with two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning on an RBI double by third baseman Brandon Larson and an RBI single by Belcher.

York starter Dan Foli (4-5) picked up the win, allowing four earned runs on eight hits in seven innings pitched. Patriots reliever Casey Cahill (5-3) suffered the loss, allowing three earned runs on a hit in 0.1 innings pitched. Franklin Nunez earned his second save for York.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game against the York Revolution on Saturday night. The game includes Fireworks courtesy of Hunterdon Healthcare System. Great seats are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Camden pitcher and former major-leaguer Jose Lima (2-4) lasted only one and one third innings, his shortest outing in several years. Lima was blasted for eight runs, seven earned, on eight hits and three walks.

Designated hitter Brandon Larson, first baseman Josh Pressley and left fielder Vito Chiaravalloti hit back-to-back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning off of Lima’s replacement, Jeremy Lewis. It is the first time the Patriots achieved the feat since May 2002.

Patriots starting pitcher Kip Bouknight (2-0) threw five up and down innings, giving up two earned runs off nine hits and a walk, with at least one base runner each inning.
Riversharks center fielder Sheldon Fulse led off the game with a single to right field. Fulse was singled home by right fielder L.J. Biernbaum with one out before first baseman Tyler Von Schell hit into a 5-4-3 double play.

Somerset responded with a five-run inning. Smith was walked, followed by a single by shortstop Teuris Olivares. Larson doubled the two runners home, but was thrown out on his way to third base after Camden catcher Korey Finer mishandled a throw home.
Pressley and Chiaravalloti reached base with one out for catcher Kevin Kotch to drive home with a home run to right field, just under the scoreboard.

The Patriots scored at will in the second inning, as well. Smith doubled to right field, and advanced on an Olivares single down the right field line. Smith scored on a Larson double, extending the Somerset lead, 6-2. Lima intentionally walked Pressley to load the bases for Chiaravalloti, who promptly hit a broken bat single into left field, scoring Larson. Camden went to its bullpen, handing the ball to Lewis. Kotch was walked, allowing Pressley to cross home plate.

The Patriots went through the batting order before second baseman David Housel popped out to center field. Somerset led 8-1 heading into the top of the third inning.

In the third, the Riversharks scored a run on an error by right fielder Elliot Ayala, advancing a Von Schell single to second base and allowing Bierbaum to score from second. Smith scored his third run in the third inning when Pressley knocked a single into left center field. Smith reached on a walk and advanced to third on an Olivares double.
The next round of scoring came from the home run barrage in the fifth inning. All three long balls came after two outs. Larson’s out-of-the-park hit was his 25th of the season, leading the Atlantic League by just one over Pressley’s 24 homers.

Lewis pitched three and two-thirds innings, giving up four earned runs on four hits and three walks. He was replaced by Julio Guerrero after the fifth inning.

The Riversharks added a home run by Fulse in the ninth inning, but 12-3 would be as close as Camden would get to the Patriots.

Larson led the Patriots by hitting 3-5, with two runs and four RBI. Chiaravalloti also went 3-5 with two runs and two RBI. The Riversharks were led by Fulse, hitting 3-4 with two runs and one RBI.

The Patriots relievers Aaron Fultz, Rich Asadoorian and Brian Reith combined for four innings pitched, two hits and one earned run to close out the game.

Tying up the season series between the two teams, the victory ends a three-game losing streak and improved the Patriots day game record to 13-4. The four game series will be wrapped up Thursday night, a 7:05 p.m. first pitch, matching Camden pitcher Jake Dittler against Patriot lefty Brian Adams.

The Camden Riversharks used an early lead and consistent relief pitching to defeat the Somerset Patriots 7-5 for the second straight game Tuesday night.

Left fielder and leadoff hitter Sheldon Fulse set the pace for the game with a single to left field. Fulse went 3-4 against the Patriots including two doubles, two runs batted in and a stolen base.

Patriots pitcher Josh Brey (6-2) then walked shortstop Damian Jackson. A ground out to the first baseman by centerfielder Nic Jackson advanced the runners for L.J. Biernbaum, who singled in the two runs.

Catcher Alberto Castillo popped up to the third baseman, bringing up first baseman Tyler Von Schell.

Von Schell, hitting .346 with runners in scoring position this season, then singled to deep right field, bringing in Biernbaum from second. Von Schell went 1-5 during the game, with one RBI.

The Riversharks early three-run advantage would not last, though. The Patriots’ centerfielder Sean Smith leadoff the bottom of the first with a homerun to left field near the light pole. It was the third home run Riversharks pitcher Kevin Walker (0-0) has given up this season, and Smith’s twelfth hit to leave the park this season.

The re-energized crowd at Commerce Bank Park then roared for third baseman Brandon Larson’s single to dead center. Then, designated hitter Josh Pressley fulfilled his role, hitting a single out to right field. Both Pressley and Larson advanced on passed ball by Castillo.

Vito Chiaravalloti struck out, bringing catcher Jason Belcher to the plate. Belcher is fourth on the Patriots in batting with runners in scoring position. He increased his average by hitting a single towards the shortstop, bringing in Larson.Shortstop Teuris Oliviares ended the inning with a ground out to his counterpart, Damian Jackson.

Despite a rocky first inning, Brey kept the Riversharks scoreless through the second and third innings. In the fourth inning, though, Brey gave up three more runs, extending Camden’s lead to 6-2.

Fulse visited home plate for the second time and drove in two runs with a double into left field. Both third baseman Gabe Suarez and designated hitter Cody Collet scored on Fulse’s hit after the pair each singled to get on base.

The evening was over for Brey after 91 pitches, six hits, six earned runs, three walks and three strikeouts.

Somerset staged a comeback in the fifth inning, beginning with left fielder Gera Alvarez’s single to center field, off of the pitchers’ mound and passed second baseman Tim Johnson. Pitcher Mike Flannery then walked Larson, and gave up a single to Pressley to load the bases. Chiaravalloti could not capitalize, striking out and making him 0-3 with runners in scoring position for the game.

The next batter, Belcher, hit a broken-bat dribbler back to the pitcher, giving Alvarez enough time to score. Oliviares followed by doubling in Larson and Pressley on an exciting play where a throw was made at home in attempt to catch Pressley then fired back at second to nab Olivares, both unsuccessful. Pressley went 3-4 during the game, scoring a run off of two singles and a double.

With the shortstop at second and two outs, right fielder Elliott Ayala stuck out to end the rally and the scoring for the Patriots. Camden’s relief pitchers Federico Baez (1-1), Felix Rodriguez and Alec Zumwalt combined for one hit, no walks, no runs and five strikeouts in the final four innings. Zumwalt earned his league-leading 20th save by shutting down the top of the Patriots’ order in the bottom of the ninth, and Baez got his first win of the season.

The Riversharks added an insurance home run by Damian Jackson in the ninth inning, off Jason Richardson, giving them the 7-5 final score. Tuesday’s game lasted three hours and 17 minutes, and 5,095 fans were in attendance.

The loss drops the Patriots to 1.5 games behind the York Revolution for first place in the Freedom Division. Somerset and Camden will face off again on Wednesday, with the Patriots hoping a rare day game means a change in luck. First pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m., with Jose Lima (2-3) on the mound for the Riversharks and Kip Bouknight pitching for the Patriots.

Riversharks pitcher Ryan Dittfurth (1-3) kept the Patriots hitless through four innings and scoreless for five, earning his first win since being brought to Camden earlier this season.
Dittfurth faced 24 batters and allowed four runs on four hits, one walk and three hit batsmen in five and two-thirds innings.

Patriots pitcher Steve Kelly (5-9) was scoreless also through four innings, but was shelled in the fifth, allowing five runs on five hits.

First baseman Tyler Von Schill started the fifth with a single bounced past third baseman Brandon Larson. Rob Gandolfo followed with a well-placed bunt down the third base line, and was able to beat the throw.

With runners on first and second, Gabe Suarez attempted to advance the runners but struck out on a third foul bunt.

Cody Collet then worked Kelly deep into a pitch count, fouling off several balls before knocking a hit out to centerfield to load the bases.

Kelly walked a run in by putting Sheldon Fulse on base at the top of the order. Damian Jackson popped out to first base, then Nic Jackson hit a double out to the warning track at centerfield that scored all three runners. After L.J. Biernbaum reached base, Alberto Castillo hit a single that drove in Nic Jackson, but the inning ended when Biernbaum was caught in a rundown between second and third.

Kelly left after the fifth, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks. He faced 23 batters and struck-out six.

The Patriots did not answer in the bottom of the fifth, but after relief pitcher Chris Buglovsky kept the Riversharks scoreless in the top of the sixth, Somerset found its offense.

Sean Smith led off the inning with a stikeout, then Elliot Ayala hit a ball to the shortstop but reached base when Damian Jackson was unable to make a play.

With a runner on first, Larson hit his 24th home run out to the flag pole in centerfield. The Patriots had new life at 5-2.
Josh Pressley grounded out, then Jason Belcher reached base on Dittfurth’s third hit-by-pitch. Teuris Olivares singled to centerfield, and Camden went to their bullpen.

Relief pitcher Julio Guerrero inherited the two runners, and recent-acquisition Kevin Koch pushed home both runners by knocking a ball past a diving Gandolfo up the middle.

Vito Chiaravalloti ended the inning by popping up to left field, but Somerset had climbed back within one run, 5-4.

The Riversharks extended their lead by two more runs in the seventh off of Guerrero, scoring unearned runs on a double-error by Ayala and a passed ball by Belcher.

The Patriots countered with a Larson double down the left field line that scored Smith, making the score 7-5 at the end of the seventh inning.

The relief pitchers for both teams then took over. Rick Asadoorian and Jason Richardson combined for two inning of scoreless relief for the Patriots, and Alec Zumwalt closed out the game for the Riversharks, earning the save.

The Patriots were led by Olivares, who went 3-4 with a double, two singles, a run and was caught stealing, and Larson, who was 2-3 with a home run, a double and two RBI.

The Riversharks were led by Von Schill, who went 2-4 with two singles and a run, Fulse, who was 1-4 with a single, a walk and two runs, and Collet, who was 1-2 with a single, two walks and two runs scored.

The loss dropped the Patriots a half-game behind the York Revolution for first place in the Freedom Division for the second half.

The second game of the series is 7:05 Tuesday night at Commerce Bank Park. Starting pitchers are expected to be Josh Brey for the Patriots and Tony Peguero for the Riversharks.

Frey, who compiled a 323-287 career record as a big league manager, acted as the honorary manager for Sparky Lyle’s Freedom Division. Don Zimmer served in the same capacity for Dave LaPoint’s Liberty Division.

The tranquil environment stood in stark contrast to Frey’s other involvement with All-Star games. As the Royals manager in 1980, Frey led Kansas City to the World Series following a sweep of the Yankees in the ALCS. Kansas City lost the World Series but provided Frey the opportunity to skipper the AL squad in the 1981 All-Star contest at Cleveland Stadium.

But a player strike that lasted from June 12 to July 31 pushed back the game’s date from July 14 to August 10. The 77-year-old Frey said the All-Star game served as a precursor to regular season play resuming. The exhibition was attended by 72, 086 people, a record that still stands.

“That’s an awesome feeling to be looking up and there’s almost 80,000 people watching you,” Frey said. “It was tough to manage because the players weren’t all really fit and they weren’t in the frame of mind. It was kind of like ‘we got to go.’ It wasn’t like they all wanted to be there. It was different in that sense.”

Frey said his relationship with Zimmer dates back to his teenage years. Both shared the same suite, where Zimmer was sporting a 2000 diamond-encrusted Yankee championship ring with a studded interlocking NY logo in the center. The connection runs deeper, with Frey hiring Zimmer to manage the Cubs before the 1988 season.

“Jim Frey and I go back almost to elementary school,” Zimmer said. “We played American Legion ball together. He was my boss in Chicago.

“At first, I wanted to have four days off when [Somerset chairman] Steve Kalafer asked me to come, so I said, ‘Steve, I’m going to say no,’” Zimmer said. “So I hung up and an hour later I said, ‘hold on, I can’t say no. He [Frey’s] been too good a friend.”

Both are still involved with baseball. Zimmer still works as an advisor for the surging Tampa Bay Rays while Frey serves as Somerset’s vice chairman.

“Zimmer and I go back to when were 13 years old playing knothole baseball in Cincinnati and we ended up going to the same high school,” Frey said. “We’ve been friends ever since. In that sense, it’s a lot of fun just getting together with him.”

Frey managed the Royals for two seasons before serving as a Mets coach. That eventually lead to another managerial job with the Cubs, where his tenure lasted from 1984-86 and included a NL East title his first season on the bench. It marked Chicago’s first postseason appearance since 1945. After leaving the dugout, Frey became the Cubs general manager from 1988-91.

But Frey said he disagrees with Major League Baseball’s rule giving the winning league of the All-Star game home-field advantage in the World Series. The Ohio native said that edge should be determined by regular season performance.

“I don’t think it’s fair to do that,” Frey said. “The fair to do is the team who has the best record in baseball should get the home-field advantage. No matter how hard you try or how much importance you place on an All-Star game, the players don’t face the game the way they would a [regular season] game.

“It’s an exhibition and there are a lot of distractions.”

Gary Cater took home the game MVP award in 1981 as the National League won, 5-4. The America League starting lineup feature Hall of Famers Dave Winfield, Carlton Fisk, Reggie Jackson, George Brett and Rod Carew. The rest of the lineup contained players familiar to New York sports fans: Willie Randolph, Bucky Dent and Ken Singleton rounded out the starting nine with potential Hall-of-Famer Jack Morris serving as the starting pitcher.

Frey said even with that collection of talent, he would have been forced into a motivational speaking role if home-field advantage rested on the game’s result.

“I would have tried to convince the players to play differently,” said Frey, who captured the 1984 National League manager of the year award. “I probably wouldn’t have managed differently, but there is a certain attitude that you might try to instill the importance of the players.”

Ray Navarrete started at second and Jamie Pogue got the nod at catcher, though the pair of Ducks pitchers were each tagged for two runs as the Sparky Lyle-lead Freedom Division held on for an 8-6 victory in front an All-Star record crowd of 8,290 at Commerce Bank Ballpark.

Leek allowed a leadoff single to Lancaster’s Michael Woods before Newark’s Ramon Castro drilled an opposite-field homer to rightfield. Castro’s blast was the first of his pair of two-run home runs, earning the Bears’ shortstop the game MVP for the Freedom Division.

“Everybody got in the game and everybody played and showed their wares to the scouts,” said LaPoint, who used all 22 players on the roster. “The fans had a good to show to watch, so that’s what we’re here for.”

Leek settled down and left after two innings down 2-0. It was another honor for the southpaw. The Levittown native was also selected to start Opening Day, giving him two honors in a four-month span.

Valentine, the Ducks closer, entered in the unfamiliar situation of the third inning. He allowed two runs but none of them were earned after Pogue couldn’t handle a third strike pitch, allowing Somerset’s Brandon Larson to reach first and eventually score on Newark’s Jose Herrera.

“I’m sure they [Leek and Valentine would have liked to have done better, but All-Star games are different,” LaPoint said. “Joe’s pitching the third inning instead of the ninth. Who knows if he’s mentally ready for that. But everybody had a good day.”

Pogue atoned for his mistake, registering an RBI groundout in the Liberty Division’s four-run fourth inning. His shot to third was gloved on a nice scoop by Matt Hagen, but he still turned a four-run deficit into a tie game with the productive out and took teammate Leek off the hook for the loss.

“It was a whole lot of fun,” Pogue said. “You come here with the expectation of just going out there relaxed and try and enjoy the game. You try and slow it down as much as you can and take as much in as you can. I had a lot of family and friends able to come and watch. It was extremely enjoyable.”

Castro ensured the Freedom Division went back on top on the bottom of the fourth. Southern Maryland right-hander Ryan Bicondoa relieved Valentine before walking Woods. That set up Castro’s second blast, handing Bicondoa the loss.

No Duck was in the game after the sixth inning. Navarrete finished 0-3 but wowed the crowd before the contest in the home run derby. The All-Star second baseman advanced to the championship round and blasted eight home runs in total.

“It’s always a great opportunity to be able to be in the same clubhouse with the other guys you are admiring through the season,” said Navarrete about sharing a dugout with the best players from Bridgeport, Southern Maryland and Camden. “You don’t get a chance to talk to them or hang out with them as much. I was really lucky to be a part of it.”

Pogue said making the trip to New Jersey instead of taking the full four days offs was a sacrifice worth making. Even after catching five innings and giving way to Adam Shorsher, Pogue still kept busy by warming up Liberty Division pitchers in the bullpen.

“I like to play all the time, so the way they do it, we still have three days off,” Pogue said. “There are only a few guys tonight that had to play nine innings anyway. To go over four days and have to catch half a game, that’s not going to wear me down. It was just awesome.”

Sitting in his familiar home dugout, Lyle trotted out Newark’s Patrick Stanley to start for the Freedom Division. As the Somerset manager, Lyle previously watched his team face off against the righty ace, who struck out 15 Lancaster batters in a game in May.

Stanley was dominating in his two innings last night, striking out three while not allowing a base-runner. In a statically oddity, Lancaster’s Eric Ackerman picked up the victory despite giving up four runs and five hits in his one inning of work, the product of Castro’s well-time homer in the bottom of the fourth when Ackerman was technically still the Freedom Division’s pitcher.

Herrera, Castro’s teammate with the Bears, added another RBI single. The two teammates played all nine innings in front of the 22 major league scouts in attendance.

“An All-Star Game is about rising to the occasion,” Lyle said.

The Patriots broke a scoreless tie with five runs in the top of the third inning to take a 5-0 lead. Somerset loaded the bases when second baseman Gera Alvarez reached on a bunt fielder’s choice to the mound, a one out single to left by centerfielder Elliott Ayala and a walk by shortstop Teuris Olivares. Leftfielder Michael Ryan then drew a bases loaded walk to force in Alvarez and designated hitter Josh Pressley followed by crushing a grand slam home run (14) to left that cleared the bases.

The Riversharks answered with a run in the bottom of the third inning to make it 5-1 when third baseman Gabe Suarez hit a lead off single to center, advanced to second on a single off the left field wall by catcher Cody Collet and came around to score on a one out RBI single to right by first baseman Ron Davenport.

Somerset added a pair of runs in the top of the fifth inning to extend their lead to 7-1. The Patriots loaded the bases when Olivares drew a lead off walk, Pressley reached on a fielder’s choice to shortstop and a hit-by-pitch to third baseman Matt Hagen. Olivares then scored on RBI groundout by rightfielder Ryan Radmanovich and Pressley would scamper home on a wild pitch later in the inning.

The Patriots added four more runs in the top of the seventh inning to take a commanding 11-1 lead. Pressley ripped a lead off double off the left field wall and came around to score when Hagen followed with a RBI double down the left field line. Somerset then loaded the bases when Radmanovich drew a walk and first baseman Vito Chairavalloti lined a single to left. Catcher Jason Belcher was hit-by-a-pitch to force in Hagen and then Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly to center that plated Radmanovich. Chiaravavalloti would score on a one out sacrifice fly to left by Olivares.

Camden got two runs back in the bottom of the eighth inning to cut the Patriots lead to 11-3. Shortstop Bobby Gandolfo led off with a single to center and moved into scoring position on a two out single to center by designated hitter Tyler Von Schell. Leftfielder Sheldon Fulse drove them both in with a two run double into the left field corner.

Somerset scored their final run in the top of the ninth inning to make it 12-3. The Patriots loaded the bases on three straight walks to Belcher, Alvarez and Ayala. Olivares then followed with a sacrifice fly to left that plated Belcher.

Patriots’ starter Jim Magrane (4-6) picked up the win, allowing one run on eight hits while striking out six and walking one in seven innings of work. Riversharks’ starter Frederico Baez (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing five runs on three hits while walking four and striking out one in 2.2 innings pitched.

With the win the Patriots improved to 3-2 in the second half and 43-32 overall on 2008 season while the Riversharks dropped to 1-4 and 41-34.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Wednesday, July 16th when the 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game takes place at Commerce Bank Ballpark. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots broke a 2-2 tie with two runs in the top of the sixth inning to take a 4-2 lead. Designated hitter Josh Pressley drew a lead off walk, advanced to second on a one out single to right by rightfielder Ryan Radmanovich and then stole third. Catcher Travis Anderson drove in Pressley with a RBI hit-and-run single to right which allowed Radmanovich to move to third and then second baseman David Housel delivered a sacrifice fly to right that plated Radmanovich.

Somerset added an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning to extend their lead to 5-2 when centerfielder Elliott Ayala drew a one out walk, stole second and third and then scored on a one out RBI single to right by shortstop Teuris Olivares.

Camden struck first with a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead when centerfielder Nic Jackson drew a lead off walk, advanced to second on a walk to leftfielder Sheldon Fulse and scored on a RBI single to center by rightfielder L.J. Biernbaum.

The Patriots got on the scoreboard with a pair of runs in the top of the third inning to take a 2-1 lead. Olivares led off by smacking a solo home run (3) to right to tie the game. Pressley then legged out a two out double to shallow center field and came around to score when first baseman Matt Hagen followed with a RBI double to right center.

The Riversharks tied the game at 2-2 with a run in the bottom of the fourth inning when third baseman Gabe Suarez hit a two out solo home run (1) to left.

Patriots’ starter Josh Brey (4-0) picked up the win, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out two and walking four in five innings of work. Riversharks’ starter Kevin Mannix (0-6) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out three in 5.1 innings pitched. Patriots’ closer Brian Reith pitched a 1-2-3 scoreless ninth inning for his fourth save of the season.

With the win the Patriots improved to 2-2 in the second half and 42-32 overall on 2008 season while the Riversharks dropped to 1-3 and 41-33.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Wednesday, July 16th when the 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game takes place at Commerce Bank Ballpark. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Southern Maryland struck first, picking up two runs in the bottom of the first frame. Jeremy Owens hit an RBI single to score George Sandel, who had led off the game with a walk. Sandel would end the game 3-for-3, while Owens would go 2-for-4 with 2 RBI and a run scored. Owens made the highlight of the night with his glove, however, as the center fielder robbed Vito Chiarravaloti of a home run with a leaping, over the wall snag in straight away center.

Clinton Johnston was the only Blue Crab to register a hit, scoring a run to go with his 1-for-4 outing.

Mike Gibbs started the second game of his career, lasting four innings while giving up only one earned run. Gibbs was lifted for Adam Johnson, who pitched three innings and struck out two batters in the loss.

The Blue Crabs will now face off with the York Revolution, who are currently first place in the Freedom division. Tomorrow’s game time will be 7:05 pm, and it will be election night at Regency Furniture Stadium.

The Southern Maryland offense started early, with George Sandel picking up a single on the second pitch of the game. The shortstop was able to break up a double play attempt on a John Ramistella groundout, and Clinton Johnston followed up with a ground rule double to move Ramistella to third base. Following a Patrick Osborn walk to load the bases, Eric Crozier grounded out to second, but picked up an RBI in the process.

Johnston would add two more hits to that double, finishing the night 3-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Johnston also put the icing on the cake in the eighth inning, blasting a solo home run to left field for his lone RBI of the game.

Eric Crozier would also hit a home run, as the DH followed a Patrick Osborn triple with a bomb of his own to right field. Crozier finished with three RBI in the game, as well as a walk.

Osborn was 1-for-3 on the night, but scored two runs and had a walk to go along with his triple. The all-star was brought home following a walk in the seventh inning by a Chris Maples bases loaded triple, which also plated Johnston and Jeremy Owens.

Jonathan Connolly had his best outing in a Blue Crabs uniform, going 6.1 innings and striking out nine batters. He allowed only one hard hit ball, and the only run scored against him was unearned. Connolly also had zero walks in the contest.

Mike Gibbs will take the hill for the home team tomorrow as the two teams wrap up the series. The game will have a special start time, with the first pitch coming at 11:00 am. Gibbs pitched five scoreless innings in his first career start, striking out four in the process.

Ryan Bicondoa was spectacular for the home club, pitching six scoreless innings before finally allowing a run in his league-leading eighth victory of the season. The win is Bicondoa’s fifth in his last six decisions, and the right-hander also racked up six strikeouts to up his season total to 73.

Patrick Osborn continued his dream season, raking a single off the wall in his first at-bat. The all-star third baseman would double in the bottom of the sixth to add to his league leading RBI total, with John Ramistella coming across as the ball skidded into the right field corner.

Clinton Johnston would add a double in that sixth inning, and James Shanks would follow up with a single to score the first baseman, who somehow was left off the all star team with a .313 average.

The Blue Crabs now stand at 37-34 overall on the season, but more importantly start off the second half with a 1-0 record. Southern Maryland will again host the Patriots tomorrow night, with Jonathan Connolly taking the hill. In his last outing, Connolly pitched seven innings in picking up the win against Camden. He will be opposed by Somerset’s Steve Kelly, a lefty with a 5-4 record on the season.

The Bears took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Second baseman Bobby Hill walked and later scored on an RBI single by shortstop Ramon Castro.

Somerset answered with a run in the bottom of the second inning. Right fielder Ryan Radmanovich doubled and scored on an RBI single by designated hitter Vito Chiaravalloti.

The Patriots took the lead with four runs on three home runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. First baseman Josh Pressley (12) and second baseman Matt Hagen (11) hit back-to-back home runs. After Chiaravalloti singled, center fielder Sean Smith hit a two-run home run (8) for a 5-1 lead.

Somerset extended the lead on a solo home run by third baseman Brandon Larson (14) in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Magrane (3-6) picked up the win, allowing just one earned run on five hits in nine innings. Bears starter Pat Stanley (8-2) suffered the loss, allowing six earned runs on nine hits in six innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Wednesday, July 16th when the 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game takes place at Commerce Bank Ballpark. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Center fielder Sean Smith doubled and scored on an RBI double by shortstop Teuris Olivares.

Somerset scored three runs in the bottom of the third inning. Olivares walked, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by first baseman Josh Pressley. Second baseman Matt Hagen followed with a two-run home run to center (10) for a 4-0 lead.

The Patriots added three runs to the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Designated hitter David Housel walked and scored on a two-run home run by Smith (7). Left fielder Elliott Ayala then singled and scored on an RBI single by third baseman Brandon Larson for a 7-0 lead.

Newark got on the board with a run in the top of the fifth inning. Third baseman Mike Just walked and scored on an RBI double by center fielder Keith Reed.

The Bears cut the lead to 7-3 with two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Shortstop Ramon Castro reached on an error and first baseman Randall Simon singled. Both runners scored on errors.

Patriots starter Josh Brey (3-0) picked up the win, allowing an earned run on six hits in five innings pitched. Bears starter Frank Gracesqui (0-4) suffered the loss, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits in 3.2 innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 6:05 pm on Sunday night against the Newark Bears. The game includes a Post Game Fireworks Show presented by John Maltese Iron Works, Inc. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Shortstop Teuris Olivares doubled and scored on an RBI double by third baseman Brandon Larson.

Newark took a 2-1 lead with two runs in the top of the fifth inning. Right fielder Jose Herrera singled and shortstop Ramon Castro doubled to put runners on second and third. Catcher John Pachot followed with a two-run single.

Somerset tied up the game on a solo home run by designated hitter Michael Ryan (13) in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The Bears regained the lead with a run in the top of the seventh inning. Herrera doubled and scored on an RBI single by first baseman Randall Simon for a 3-2 advantage.

Bears starter Jose Garcia (3-2) picked up the win, allowing two earned runs on nine hits in six innings pitched. Patriots starter Brian Adams (5-4) suffered the loss, allowing three earned runs on six hits in six innings pitched. Steven Kent earned his fifth save for Newark with a scoreless inning pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 6:05 pm on Sunday night against the Newark Bears. The game includes a Post Game Fireworks Show presented by John Maltese Iron Works, Inc. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Johnson, making his first home start since coming off the disabled list with an elbow injury, showed the form that made him a number two overall pick in the 2000 Major League Baseball draft. Johnson pitched five innings, giving up only three hits and zero runs.

Pitching in relief of Johnson, Jason Blanton and Chris Gale also blanked the Patriots, pitching two innings apiece to finish out the second shutout in team history. The first came when John Halama pitched a complete game versus the York Revolution on May 28th.

The Blue Crabs offense did their part, pounding the Somerset pitching staff to the tune of thirteen hits and seven runs. John Ramistella started it off, smashing a solo home run over the left field wall to lead off the fourth inning. Curtis Pride followed right behind him with a double, and reached home plate when Clinton Johnston smacked a triple down the right field line.

Adam Shorsher would hit a solo home run the very next inning to left field, nearly putting a hole in the picnic tarp with his line drive. Sandel and Ramistella would both single after Shorsher’s shot, with both crossing the plate on a double by Patrick Osborn.

Johnston would pick up his second hit of the night in the sixth inning, singling to left field to lead off the inning. James Shanks then hit the third Blue Crab homer of the game, his third since joining the Southern Maryland roster.

Sunday’s game time will be 2:05, with Jonathan Connolly taking the mound for Butch Hobson’s crew. The first 1,000 fans will receive a team baseball card set, the first for the Blue Crabs.

The Patriots scored two runs in the top of the eighth inning to take their first lead of the game at 4-3. Leftfielder Michael Ryan led off with a single to right, moved to second on a single to left by third baseman Brandon Larson and advanced to third on a passed ball. First baseman Josh Pressley then drove in Ryan with an RBI groundout to second and after an intentional walk, designated hitter Ryan Radmanovich scored Larson with a sacrifice fly to center.

Somerset added two insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning to extend their lead to 6-3. Shortstop Teuris Olivares led off with an infield single to short, moved to second on a passed ball and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Travis Anderson. Second baseman David Housel followed with a RBI single to left to plate Olivares and then centerfielder Sean Smith lined a single to left. Ryan then followed with a RBI fielder’s choice to second that scored Housel.

The Blue Crabs struck first with a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead when shortstop George Sandel led off with a triple down the right field line and came around to score on a one out RBI single to center by designated hitter Curtis Pride.

Southern Maryland added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning to extend their lead to 2-0 when third baseman Patrick Osborn hit a one out double to left center, advanced to third on a single to right by first baseman Clinton Johnston and scored on a two out RBI single to left by leftfielder James Shanks.

The Patriots tied the game at 2-2 with a pair of runs in the top of the sixth inning. Ryan ripped a one out double down the right field line and came around to score when Larson followed with a RBI double off the left field wall. Pressley then lined a RBI single to left center to plate Larson and tie the game.

The Blue Crabs answered with a run in the bottom of the sixth to take a 3-2 lead when Johnston hit a one out single to center and scored on a two out RBI double to left center by Shanks.

Patriots reliever Frank Brooks (5-2) picked up the win, throwing a scoreless third of an inning on one pitch. Blue Crabs’ reliever Matt Schweitzer (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing two runs, one unearned, on two hits while walking one in 0.2 innings pitched. Patriots’ reliever Brian Reith pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save of the season.

Patriots’ starter Jim Magrane pitched 6.2 innings and allowed three runs on eight hits while striking out four and walking two in a no decision. Blue Crabs starter Ryan Bicondoa allowed two runs on eight hits while striking seven and walking one in seven innings for a no decision.

With the win the Patriots improved to 35-25 on 2008 season while the Blue Crabs dropped to 29-31.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, July 3rd when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against Freedom Division rivals, the Newark Bears. The game includes an Independence Day Fireworks Celebration courtesy of True and Associates. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Ducks took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Catcher Jamie Pogue hit a solo home run (3) to left field. First baseman Damien Rolls doubled and came around to score on an RBI single by second baseman Dennis Donovan.

Long Island added four runs in the top of the third inning. Center fielder Nook Logan singled, right fielder Ray Navarrete drew a walk, and designated hitter Carl Everett singled to load the bases. Pogue followed with a grand slam (4), his second homerun of the game, to give the Ducks a 6-0 lead.

The Ducks added three more runs in the top of the fourth inning. Shortstop Donaldo Mendez singled and later scored on a fielder’s choice that allowed Logan to reach safely. Navarrete then hit a two-run home run (15) to give Long Island a 9-0 advantage.

Long Island extended the lead to 11-0 with two runs scored on errors in the top of the seventh inning.

Ducks starter Randy Leek (5-2) picked up the win, allowing four hits in seven scoreless innings pitched. Patriots starter Brian Adams (4-3) suffered the loss, allowing nine earned runs on ten hits in four innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Thursday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Long Island Ducks. The game features a Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Investors Savings Bank and Mets Night. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Somerset tied up the game 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth inning on a solo home run by third baseman Brandon Larson (10).

The Ducks broke a 5-5 tie with a run in the top of the ninth inning. Shortstop Dennis Donovan doubled and scored on an RBI double by second baseman Ray Navarrete for a 6-5 lead.

Trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Somerset rallied to tie up the game at 5-5. Left fielder Matt Hagen doubled and scored on a two-run home run by right fielder Ryan Radmanovich (3).

The Ducks rallied to break a 3-3 tie in the top of the eighth inning. Designated hitter Carl Everett singled and was pinch run for by Donaldo Mendez. Right fielder Jay Gibbons followed with an RBI double and later scored on a fielder’s choice for a 5-3 advantage.

The Ducks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Navarrete singled and scored on an RBI single by Everett.

Somerset answered with a run in the bottom of the first inning on a solo home run by center fielder Sean Smith (4).

Long Island regained the lead with a run in the top of the third inning. Center fielder Nook Logan tripled and scored on an RBI single by Sanchez.

The Patriots made it a 3-2 game with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Larson singled and scored on a two-run home run by first baseman Josh Pressley (9), his fifth straight game with a home run.

The Ducks tied up the game in the top of the fifth inning. Sanchez singled and scored on an RBI double by Everett for a 3-3 tie.

Ducks reliever Joe Valentine (3-1) picked up the win, allowing an earned run on three hits in two innings pitched. Patriots reliever Brock Till (0-2) suffered the loss, allowing an earned run on two hits in an inning pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Wednesday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Long Island Ducks. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Ballpark History Card Strip courtesy of DeVry University. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots got on the board in the bottom of the first inning. Center fielder Sean Smith doubled and scored on a two-run home run by designated hitter Josh Pressley (8). It was the fourth straight game that Pressley hit a home run.

Somerset added two runs to the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Shortstop Teuris Olivares doubled and scored on a two-run home run by third baseman Brandon Larson (9) to give the Patriots a 4-0 lead.

The Patriots continued to extend the lead with two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Left fielder Matt Hagen singled and scored on a two-run home run by first baseman Vito Chiaravalloti for a 6-0 advantage.

Van Hekken (3-1) picked up the win, allowing just two hits and six strikeouts in eight innings. Ducks starter Jon Searles (1-2) suffered the loss, allowing four earned runs on five hits and four strikeouts in 3.1 innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Tuesday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Long Island Ducks The game includes Beach balls for the first 1,000 kids in attendance and Health Fair Night courtesy of Somerset Medical Center. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. Third baseman Matt Hagen singled, stole second, and later scored on an RBI groundout by second baseman Teuris Olivares.

Somerset extended the lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Designated hitter Brandon Larson reached on an error and scored on first baseman Josh Pressley’s two run home run (7) to center field. Pressley has hit a home run in each of the last three games. The third run was scored on a fielder’s choice RBI.

The Bluefish got on the board with a run on a solo home run by third baseman Jesse Horrelbeke (13) in the top of the ninth inning.

Patriots starter Jim Magrane (1-6) picked up his first win of the season, allowing an earned run on five hits and nine strikeouts in eight innings pitched. Bridgeport starter Barry Hertzler (3-3) suffered the loss, allowing four runs, two earned, on eight hits in eight innings. Casey Cahill earned his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Monday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Long Island Ducks The game includes Faith Night courtesy of Somerset Council and Bark In The Park Night. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Bluefish took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Center fielder Travis Ezi singled and scored on an RBI double by third baseman Luis Lopez.

Somerset took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Second baseman David Housel walked, center fielder Sean Smith singled, and shortstop Teuris Olivares drove in both runners on a double. Third baseman Brandon Larson followed with an RBI double to plate Olivares.

The Patriots opened up the game with seven runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Left fielder Matt Hagen reached on a fielder’s choice and scored on an RBI double by catcher Jason Belcher. After Housel drew a walk, Smith cleared the bases with a three-run home run (3). Olivares then singled and stole second. First baseman Josh Pressley and designated hitter Vito Chiaravalloti each drew walks to load the bases. Right fielder Ryan Radmanovich drew a bases loaded walk to plate Olivares and Hagen followed with a two-run double to give Somerset a 10-1 lead.

Bridgeport cut the lead to 10-4 with three runs in the top of the sixth inning. First baseman Ryan Bear singled, shortstop Bobby Darula reached on a fielder’s choice, and shortstop Alex Prieto followed with a three-run home run (4).

Somerset added another three runs to the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning on a home run by Pressley (6), an RBI single by Belcher, and a bases loaded walk by Smith.

Patriots starter Josh Brey (2-0) picked up the win, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and five strikeouts in six innings pitched. Bluefish starter Ryan DiPietro (1-3) suffered the loss, allowing nine earned runs on seven hits in 3.2 innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Sunday afternoon against the Bridgeport Bluefish at 1:35 pm. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive an All-Star Cap courtesy of Tender Smiles 4Kids.Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Bridgeport took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Catcher Shea Harris drew a walk and later scored on a throwing error.

The Patriots took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Center fielder Sean Smith singled on a bunt and stole second. After left fielder Michael Ryan drew a walk, Pressley followed with an RBI single. Right fielder Ryan Radmanovich plated two runs with a double to right center field.

The Bluefish cut the lead to 3-2 with a run in the top of the fourth inning. Right fielder Ryan Bear doubled and scored on an RBI single by designated hitter Calvin Pickering.

Bridgeport tied up the game with a run in the top of the fifth inning. Second baseman Henry Mateo singled, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by third baseman Luis Lopez.

The Bluefish regained the lead with two runs in the top of the seventh inning. Center fielder Travis Ezi walked and scored on an RBI double by Mateo. Lopez followed with an RBI double to make the score 5-3.

Somerset wasted no time, scoring three runs to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Smith was hit by a pitch and stole second. Ryan reached on a single and third baseman Brandon Larson cleared the bases with a two-run triple. Pressley then made the score 6-5 with an RBI single.

The Bluefish tied it up again in the top of the eighth inning on a solo home run by Pickering (7).

Patriots reliever Casey Cahill (4-2) picked up the win with a scoreless inning pitched. Bluefish reliever Franklin Perez (2-2) suffered the loss.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Saturday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The game includes Slider Bobblehead Dolls for the first 2,000 fans in attendance courtesy of TMNG Global. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Trailing 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning, the Bluefish scored two runs to win 5-4. Center fielder Travis Ezi singled, second baseman Henry Mateo walked, and third baseman Luis Lopez followed with a two-run game-winning double.

The Patriots broke a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning. Left fielder Matt Hagen tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by shortstop Elliott Ayala for a 4-3 lead

Bridgeport took a 1-0 lead in the first at bat of the game on a solo home run by Ezi (9).

The Patriots answered with a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning from Hagen (7) to tie the game at 1-1.

Bridgeport took the lead in the top of the fifth inning. Shortstop Alex Prieto walked, Ezi singled, and Lopez singled to load the bases. First baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke then drew a bases loaded walk to score Prieto and right fielder Ryan Bear had an RBI groundout to score Ezi to make the score 3-1.

In the bottom of the sixth inning Somerset had back-to-back solo homeruns by right fielder Ryan Radmanovich (2) and Hagen (8), his second of the game, to tie the score at 3-3.

Bluefish reliever Franklin Perez (2-1) picked up the win, allowing an earned run on one hit in an inning pitched. Patriots reliever Brock Till (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing an earned run on one hit in 0.1 innings pitched. Eddy Ramos earned his third save of the season for the Bluefish with a scoreless ninth inning pitched.

Patriots starter Steve Kelly allowed three earned runs on five hits and seven strikeouts in seven innings in a no decision. Bridgeport starter Eric DuBose allowed three earned runs on nine hits and three strikeouts in seven innings for a no decision.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Friday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The game includes Fireworks courtesy of Celgene Cellular Therapeutics. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Bluefish struck first with a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead when second baseman Henry Mateo hit a one out solo home run (2) to left.

The Patriots answered with three runs in the top of the second inning to take a 3-1 lead. First baseman Vito Chiaravalloti led off by blooping a double down the right field line and came around to score on a two out RBI single up the middle by catcher Travis Anderson. Second baseman David Housel followed with a bloop single to left center and then shortstop Elliott Ayala ripped a two run double down the left field line that plated both Anderson and Housel.

Somerset plated five more runs in the top of the fourth inning to make it an 8-1 lead. The Patriots loaded the bases on a double off the left field wall by centerfielder Matt Hagen, a fielder’s choice to third off the bat of Anderson and a walk by Housel. Ayala followed by lining a two run single to center that to score Hagen and Anderson and then leftfielder Michael Ryan drew a walk. Third baseman Brandon Larson then hit a RBI fielder’s choice to shortstop where the Bluefish committed an error which allowed Housel and Ayala to score. After a two out single to left by Chiaravalloti, rightfielder Ryan Radmanovich delivered an RBI single to right that plated Ryan.

The Patriots tacked on a run in the top of the sixth inning to extend their lead to 9-1 when Chiaravalloti crushed a mammoth two out solo home run (8) to left.

Bridgeport scored their final run in the bottom of the ninth inning to make it 9-2 when catcher Brian Munhall led off with a single to center, moved to second on a single to right by leftfielder Bobby Darula and scored on a one out RBI single to left center by centerfielder Travis Ezi.

Patriots’ starter Andy Van Hekken (2-1) picked up the win, allowing one run on seven hits while striking out nine and walking none over seven innings. Bluefish starter Rafael Bergstrom (3-2) suffered the loss, allowing eight runs, six earned, on nine hits while walking two and striking out three in four innings of work.

With the win the Patriots improved to 28-18 on 2008 season while the Bluefish dropped to 24-23.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, June 19th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The first 1,000 fathers will receive a Ballpark Photo Frame courtesy of ImClone Systems. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Revolution scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 3-0 lead. Shorstop Keoni DeRenne reached on a wild pitch after striking out to lead off, advanced to second on a balk and scored on a RBI single to right center by third baseman Jake Daubert. Catcher Sandy Aracena followed with a single to left and then rightfielder Jason Aspito hit a RBI single to right that plated pinch runner Kazunori Tanaka. Centerfielder Matt Esquivel then hit a RBI single to left that scored Aracena.

York added two runs in the bottom of the third inning to extend their lead to 5-0. Aracena led off with a single to left, advanced to second on a walk by Aspito and scored on a one out RBI single to right by third baseman Matt Padgett. First baseman Matt Dryer then followed with a RBI single to center that plated Aspito.

The Revolution tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth inning to make it 6-0 when Esquivel struck out but reached on a wild pitch to lead off, moved to third on a single to right by rightfielder Chris Ashby and scored on a broken bat RBI single to right center by Dryer.

Revolution starter Corey Thurman (3-5) picked up the win, throwing seven scoreless innings allowing four hits while striking out five and walking two. Patriots’ starter Jim Magrane (0-5) suffered the loss, allowing six runs on ten hits while walking two and striking out two in four plus innings of work.

With the loss the Patriots dropped to 27-18 on 2008 season while the Revolution improved to 17-29.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, June 19th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The first 1,000 fathers will receive a Ballpark Photo Frame courtesy of ImClone Systems. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Somerset broke a 5-5 tie with a run in the top of the tenth inning to take a 6-5 lead when third baseman Matt Hagen led off with a solo home run (5) to left.

The Patriots scored an unearned run in the top of the second inning to take an early 1-0 lead. Rightfielder Ryan Radmanovich drew a walk, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and a fielder’s choice and came around to score on a Revolution fielding error on a line drive to third off the bat of centerfielder Sean Smith.

Somerset added a run in the top of the third inning to extend their lead to 2-0 when leftfielder Michael Ryan led off with a single to right, advanced to third on a single off the left field wall by designated hitter Brandon Larson and scored on a sacrifice fly to left by first baseman Josh Pressley.

The Revolution rallied for three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 3-2 lead. First baseman Matt Dryer drew a lead off walk and came around to score on a two run home run (4) to left by centerfielder Matt Esquivel. Designated hitter Tyler Von Schell drew a one out walk, advanced to third on a double down the left field line by third baseman Jake Daubert and scored on a RBI double to left center by catcher Luis Taveras.

The Patriots answered with three runs in the top of the sixth inning to retake the lead at 5-3. Radmanovich led off by being hit by a pitch, he advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and score on a RBI ground rule double to right by second baseman David Housel. Shortstop Elliott Ayala then lined a two out RBI single to left that plated Housel and Ryan followed with a RBI double to left center that scored Ayala.

York tied the game at 5-5 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh inning when shortstop Keoni DeRenne hit a two out double down the right field line and came around to score on a two run home run (2) to left by leftfielder Chris Ashby.

Patriots’ reliever Casey Cahill (3-1) picked up the win, throwing a scoreless 0.1 of an inning allowing one intentional walk. Revolution reliever Nick McCurdy (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing one run on three hits while walking none and striking out two in 2.1 innings of work. Patriots’ reliever Brian Reith pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the 2008 season.

With the win the Patriots improved to 27-17 on 2008 season while the Revolution dropped to 16-29.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, June 19th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The first 1,000 fathers will receive a Ballpark Photo Frame courtesy of ImClone Systems. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Southern Maryland broke a 3-3 tie in the top of the eleventh inning. Shortstop George Sandel walked and later scored on an RBI single by pinch hitter Christopher Maples for the 4-3 win.

Somerset tied up the game in the bottom of the eighth inning on a solo home run by center fielder Sean Smith (2) to make the score 3-3.

The Patriots took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Left fielder Michael Ryan singled and scored on a two-run home run by third baseman Brandon Larson (8).

The Blue Crabs tied up the game in the top of the third inning on a solo home run by right fielder John Ramistella (4) to make the score 1-1.

Southern Maryland took the lead with two runs in the top of the fifth inning. Left fielder Terrence McClain singled and moved to third on a single by Sandel. McClain came around to score on an RBI double by Ramistella. Designated hitter Curtis Pride then drove in Sandel for the 3-2 advantage.

Blue Crabs reliever Adam Johnson (2-1) picked up the win with two scoreless innings pitched. Patriots reliever Brian Adams (2-2) suffered the loss, allowing an earned run on a hit in an inning pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Sunday afternoon with a 1:35 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game includes Ballpark Photo Baseballs (1st 2,000 fans) and Give Kids The World Day courtesy of Staybridge Suites. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Blue Crabs took a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Shortstop George Sandel led off with a single and scored on an RBI triple by right fielder John Ramistella. After walks to center fielder Jeremy Owens and third baseman Patrick Osborn, first baseman Eric Crozier followed with a two-run single. Osborn would score on a sacrifice fly by second baseman Chad Ehrnsberger.

Southern Maryland added a run in the top of the second inning. Ramistella reached on an infield single and would later score on an error for a 5-0 lead.

The Blue Crabs extended the lead to 6-0 on a solo home run by Owens (4) in the top of the fourth inning.

Somerset got on the board with two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. First baseman Josh Pressley singled and scored on a two-run home run by designated hitter Vito Chiaravalloti (7) to make the score 6-2.

Southern Maryland starter Ryan Bicondoa (4-3) picked up the win with seven scoreless innings pitched. Patriots starter Jim Magrane (0-4) suffered the loss, allowing six runs, five earned, on seven hits in five innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Saturday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game is Commerce Bank Ballpark’s 10th Anniversary with a Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Middlesex County Education Association. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the tenth inning. Right fielder Sean Smith was hit by a pitch, shortstop Gera Alvarez was hit by a pitch, first baseman Josh Pressley walked to load the bases, and left fielder Matt Hagen hit a two-out game winning single for the 2-1 final.

The Blue Crabs took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning on a solo home run by center fielder Jeremy Owens (3).

Somerset answered with a run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Shortstop Gera Alvarez drew a walk, advanced to second on a passed ball, and scored on an RBI double by third baseman Brandon Larson to even up the score at 1-1.

Patriots reliever Jason Richardson (7-0) picked up the win with a scoreless inning pitched. Blue Crabs reliever Derrick DePriest (1-4) suffered the loss, allowing an earned run on a hit in 0.2 innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home on Friday night with a 7:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a Ballpark Replica courtesy of Commerce Bank. Great seats are still available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

Leek responded by pitching eight strong innings to pick up the victory May 30 in Southern Maryland. The Levittown native did one better last night, tossing a complete game. But the Ducks’ offense failed to capitalize on his outing, getting stymied by Camden’s Brian Reith in a 3-1 loss to the Patriots at Citibank Park.

After racking up 26 runs the past three games, the Ducks could only muster seven hits against Reith. The right-hander’s only blemish came on Kevin Haverbusch’s sixth-inning RBI single. Reith improved to 3-0, striking out three in a brisk 2:19 contest.

“He really came at us hard with a lot of hard stuff,” LaPoint said about Reith after he induced 12 fly outs. “He won the game tonight. He shut the door.”

Leek also hummed through Somerset’s lineup. The exception was hot-hitting Brandon Larson, who recorded two of his team’s seven hits and scored twice. Larson entered batting .331 and started the second by lining a single. A walk and a sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position. Matt Hagen lifted a sacrifice fly to plate Larson and David Housel drove in the second run.

Plate umpire Kareh Valentine, who was behind the plate during a 20-walk game at Citibank Park last month, called a couple of borderline pitches balls early in the game. Leek looked agitated on the mound and said afterward some of those early calls contributed to his shaky start.

“I just let my emotions get to myself there,” Leek said. “I let some calls that I thought were bad get to my head and I didn’t make good pitches. That’s my own fault. That’s me letting the team down and I can’t do that.

“I just need to start throwing better early in games. It’s been my downfall this year and it hurt us again.”

Added LaPoint: “Leek got a couple of balls up there in the second inning and they happened to hit them where we weren’t standing.”

Larson added a key insurance run, ripping a solo homer to left in the fourth to extend the lead to 3-0.

“He doesn’t swing at bad pitches,” Leek said. “He doesn’t swing at balls. He’s a good hitter and keeps the bat in the zone a long time. I just fell behind him.”

LaPoint said working with Leek during side sessions helped improve his delivery. The tinkering resulted in a two-game stretch when the southpaw has allowed just four runs in 17 innings.

“He was just rushing a little bit,” LaPoint said. “I think his arm might have been tired and he was trying to do a little more with his body. We had to slow his motion down a little bit and get him to throw the pitches where he wants them.”

Considering three of the starters carried ERAs over six into the contest and Leek’s outing helped preserve an overworked bullpen. Leek’s ledger fell to 3-2 despite walking just two in front of 5,416 fans.

“We had a good work session when we went to Lancaster and got all the kinks ironed out and he’s been able to put it into play the last two starts,” LaPoint said. “Another typical great job by Randy. The bullpen thanks him.”

The Ducks still dropped below the .500 mark, falling to 19-20 and back into last place in the Liberty Division. Brock Till pitched the final two innings to pick up the save.

Before the contest, the Ducks signed Carlos Castillo. The 6-3, 245-pound righty pitched for the Road Warriors last season and will join the rotation. Castillo adds depth the staff. Clint Nageotte is bothered by a knee injury and Jamal Strong was placed on the inactive list to attend to personal issues.

“We desperately needed a spot starter,” LaPoint said. “He throws everything from an upper-80s fastball to a slow curve that is about 50 miles per hour. He throws strikes and that’s all we’re going to ask him to do.”

Carl Everett led the way for the Ducks with a 3-for-4 night at the plate, highlighted by two home runs and four RBI. Everett also scored three times. Estee Harris punched home two with a double down the right field line, and picked up a third RBI on a sac fly. In between the two sluggers, Ray Navarrete went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Steve Kent (2-2) went six and two-thirds innings for the win, allowing four runs on nine hits. Ben Grezlovski finished the game with two and one-third innings of scoreless relief, notching four strikeouts. Steve Kelly (3-3) took the loss, giving up six runs on eight hits over five innings.

The Ducks conclude their three-game series against Somerset on Wednesday. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m., and the Citibank Park gates open at 5:35 p.m. The first 1,500 fans to the ballpark will receive orange caps, courtesy of LIU-Brentwood. Fans unable to attend the game can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Mike Solano calling the play-by-play. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks home games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call (631) 940-3825.

Mike Myers, who started the season pitching for a Long Island-based semi-pro team, was rocked in his three innings of work. The Patriots tagged him for 10 runs (seven earned), 10 hits and three walks. By the fourth inning, every Somerset starter reached base safely and scored at least one run with the exception of Matt Hagen.

Atrocious defense didn’t help matters. The Ducks committed three errors and could have been charged with at least five as they dropped to 18-19 and into last place in the Liberty Division. The Ducks have now alternated wins and losses in the past eight games and the club’s last winning streak of over two games was May 21.

Manager Dave LaPoint talked with Donaldo Mendez in his office following the game and citied the club’s overall effort as unsatisfactory. Mendez committed two of the three errors in Myers’ second professional start.

“We didn’t show up tonight as a team and he paid for it, too,” LaPoint said. “He [Myers] wasn’t getting much help behind him. He kept battling and I give him a lot of respect for that.”

Myers’ implosion came two days after Clint Nageotte couldn’t make it out of the second inning in a 14-3 loss in Southern Maryland. Jason Simontacchi is still on the inactive list but the Ducks are struggling to fill in the rotation spots behind Randy Leek and Manny Ulloa. Nageotte, Myers, and Steven Kent have failed to distinguish themselves, each logging an ERA over six.

Jon Searles, a quality No. 3 starter, was placed on the inactive list May 28. LaPoint hinted that help could be coming from outside the organization.

“You’re always looking for better pitching,” LaPoint said. “There is just nobody out there right now. We have to go with what we have.”

Mock cheers from the 5,615 in attendance at Citibank Park marked the only time the crowd was able to have an impact. The Ducks surrendered five runs in the first inning and went down 10-0 before the fifth.

All nine Somerset hitters recorded at least one base hit, including Gera Alvarez and Brandon Larson’s solo home runs. Myers lost the strike zone in the first, hitting a batter and walking another following a leadoff single. Larson worked a bases-loaded walk to score the first ring. Myers struck out the next hitter but then gave up Vito Chiaravalloti’s two-run single. Hagen’s RBI single capped the rally.

“I look back and think the 0-2 curveball on the first hitter when he gave up the first hit shook him up a little bit,” LaPoint said. “It [wrecked] his concentration and he doesn’t have enough experience to know how to settle himself down and get back into the game.

“It’s a learning process. We’ll keep working with him.”

Myers came out for the second and promptly allowed Elliott Ayala’s double. Michael Ryan’s one-out double brought home Ayala. The Wantagh native would allow two unearned runs in the third before finally taxing LaPoint’s patience in the fourth. Larson’s blast put another run on the board and a walk and single chased Myers.

Hagen greeted reliever Kevin Mannix by lining a RBI single and Travis Anderson walked to load the bases with none out. Two foul pop ups and a flyout ended the threat without any more runs. Catcher Jamie Pogue caught two of those pop flies right behind home plate, drawing sarcastic applause rarely heard in the Atlantic League.

The fans’ frustration was understandable considering a particularly egregious mental mistake earlier in the fourth. Hagen ripped a single with Josh Pressley on second and Chiaravalloti on first. Pressley originally intended to hold at third before racing home once the ball reached Brent Abernathy at second base.

Abernathy had a clear play at home but held on to the ball, which would have resulted in at least one out since Chiaravalloti was about 20 feet off the base. But Abernathy failed to notice the runner in front of him, leaving everyone safe as jeers rained on the field.

Prinz led the Atlantic League in saves with 13 this season. He had a 0.56 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched in 16 games for Somerset.

Prinz has 102 games of Major League experience over seven seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Chicago White Sox. He last played in the Major Leagues last season with the White Sox.
Prinz has a Major League career 5-4 record with a 4.89 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 92 innings pitched.

He has spent most of his career at the Triple-A level and has a minor league career 29-19 record with a 3.65 ERA and 387 strikeouts in 257 games.

Prinz spent the entire 2007 season either at the Triple-A level or the Major Leagues. He last played at Indianapolis, the Triple-A affiliate for the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he had a 1.29 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 14 games pitched.

He is the second Patriots’ pitcher signed this week, joining starter Brandon Knight, who was signed by the New York Mets and reported to Triple-A.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, June 5th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game kicks off Commerce Bank Ballpark’s 10th Anniversary Celebration with Ballpark Posters for the first 2,000 fans in attendance, courtesy of Barefoot Wine. The game is also NASCAR Night and Celebrate NJ Night. Great seats are still available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Riversharks scored first with a run in the top of the first inning.
Center fielder Nic Jackson walked, moved to second on a single, advanced to third on an error, and scored on an RBI single by designated hitter Josh Rabe.

Somerset answered with a run in the bottom of the first inning to tie the game. Left fielder Michael Ryan walked and would later score on an RBI single by designated hitter Josh Pressley.

Somerset broke the game open with a seven run second inning for an 8-1 lead.
Right fielder Matt Hagen drew a walk, catcher Travis Anderson singled, and second baseman David Housel drew a walk to load the bases. Center fielder Elliott Ayala followed with an RBI infield single to score Hagen. Second baseman Gera Alvarez then drove in Anderson with an RBI single to keep the bases loaded. Ryan plated Housel on a bases loaded walk. Pressley then cleared the bases with a grand slam, his second of the season. The home run was Pressley’s fourth home run of the year.

Camden cut the lead to 8-4 with three runs in the top of the sixth inning.
Right fielder L.J. Biernbaum doubled and scored on an RBI single by first baseman Brett Bonvechio. Left fielder Ron Davenport followed with a two-run home run (2) to left field.

The Patriots extended the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning on a solo home run by Hagen (2) for a 9-4 lead.

The Riversharks scored in the top of the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly and in the top of the ninth on a solo home run by Jackson (2). Patriots starter Steve Kelly (3-2) picked up the win, allowing four earned runs on eight hits in seven innings pitched. Camden starter Vince Perkins (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing eight earned runs on five hits and six walks in two innings pitched.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, June 5th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game kicks off Commerce Bank Ballpark’s 10th Anniversary Celebration with Ballpark Posters for the first 2,000 fans in attendance, courtesy of Barefoot Wine. The game is also NASCAR Night and Celebrate NJ Night. Great seats are still available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The Patriots won the opener Tuesday night 6-5 with former New York Yankee Bret Prinz earning his At-lantic League leading eleventh save. Today, Prinz again came on in the ninth to earn his twelfth save and tighten his hold on the league save lead. Patriot center fielder Elliot Ayala had a big game going 2-4 with the game winning hit and a run scored.

“I’m starting to feel it coming,” said Ayala after the win. “My legs feel great and I’m starting to swing the bat much better. It’s just a matter of getting the at-bats for me. I got off to a fast start last year, but it’s been a little slower so far this year. I don’t think it’s the weather though. As I get more at-bats, I feel like my hitting will pick up. I’m just trying to play good defensive baseball this year. We’ve got a nice little winning streak going and it feels good. When we get Prinzy (reliever Bret Prinz) in the game, I know it’s ‘lights out.’ Like today.”

The Patriots scored first in the bottom of the first when Ayala reached on a fielding error by Camden shortstop Gary Cates. The next batter, Gera Alvarez, laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt which hugged the first base line moving Ayala to second. Left fielder Mike Ryan singled advancing Ayala to third. With one out, Patriot third baseman Brandon Larson flied out to center field scoring Ayala. Josh Pressely singled next, scoring Ryan, but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double.

The game remained at 2-0 in favor of Somerset through five innings which saw good defensive baseball from both teams and solid pitching from Camden starter Chris Young and Patriot pitcher Josh Brey. A total of four double plays prevented either team from getting anything going in the middle frames.

Things started to unravel for Somerset, however briefly, when Rivershark shortstop Gary Cates led off the top of the sixth inning with an infield single. Then right fielder L.J. Birnbaum drew a walk off Brey. Left fielder Josh Rabe followed that up with a single. With the bases loaded, third baseman Richard Lewis hit a broken bat single, scoring Cates and Birnbaum. Catcher, Randy McGarvey singled for the fourth hit of the inning and Rabe came home. Finally, Lewis crossed home plate after Patriot catcher Travis Anderson threw wide of first base in an attempt to pick off McGarvey. After five innings of calm, the wheels came had come off for the Patriots as their lead quickly became a 4-2 deficit.

The Pats came right back in their half of the sixth when Mike Ryan hit a long solo home run over the center field wall drawing them to within one.

Still, Camden starter Chris Young entered the seventh inning holding a 4-3 lead. The first Patriot hitter, DH Vito Chiaravalloti, walked. Matt Hagen then sacrificed him to second. With one out, Young threw a wild pitch moving Chiaravalloti to third. Travis Anderson was issued another walk and the next batter, second baseman, David Housel sacrificed the runner in from third to tie the game. With two out and one on, Ayaya hit a double in the left center gap scoring Anderson and the Patriots had a 5-4 win which they would not relinquish. Ayala, an Atlantic League All-Star last year, finished the game 2 for 4 with a run scored.

The Patriots added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning when Larson hit one out off of Camden reliever Mike Flannery.

Then it was Prinz’s turn to do what’s becoming a familiar and sore sight for Atlantic League foes; shutting the door on any comeback bids.

Atlantic League Independent : What differences do you see between professional baseball on this level versus other “minor” leagues?

Brett Prinz: There’s not much difference between Independent League baseball and Triple-A. You don’t have as many prospects just coming through the ranks up here; you know, guys who’ll just swing away. There are a lot of guys playing here who have experience, especially major league experience. So in that way, it’s sort of more chal-lenging here.

ALI: What’s it like playing for Sparky Lyle?

BP: It’s great. I mean he’s a legend. The stories you get to hear are great. He talks a lot about what it was like to play during his time and how the game has changed and stayed the same. He pretty much deals more with the position players than the pitchers. He lets Brett (Brett Jodie- pitching coach and director of baseball operations who signs all Patriot players) handle the pitchers. Sometimes we’ll talk about what pitch I should have thrown in a particular situation or what pitches I should use in certain situations. But he mostly lets me do my own thing.

ALI: What are you best pitches?

BP: My fastball and slider.

ALI: What are you doing here?

BP: [Laughing] Good question, I don’t know. Actually, I played last year in the Pirate organization and ended up getting released.

ALI: So what happens after that? Do you have an agent who tries to find you a team?

BP: Well no, but once you’re released, your name gets circulated around the Indepen-dent League teams and Brett (Jodie) gave me a call and asked me if I wanted to pitch for the Patriots. So I said yes and here I am.

ALI: What are your professional goals?

BP: I’d love to get back to the major leagues. I mean that’s everybody’s goal. It would be great to get out of here, but I’m o.k. if I don’t. I’ve accomplished a lot in my baseball career. I have had the chance to play baseball on the major league level for the team I grew up rooting for (NY Yankees), I have a World Series ring, played for some other great professional organizations, and now I’m playing for Sparky Lyle. So it’s been great. I’m happy with what I’ve done.

ALI: What are your plans after baseball?

BP: I want to teach and coach baseball.

ALI: What do you want to teach?

BP: I want to teach high school history and coach baseball back in Arizona where I live. My mom was a teacher and I think I can help kids in the classroom and on the playing field.

ALI: Thanks so much, Bret. Do you think you’ll pitch today? (He earned his league leading 11th save last night vs. Camden).

BP: No problem. If we have the lead in the ninth I’ll probably get the chance.

The Patriots rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning. Center fielder Elliott Ayala walked, stole second, and later scored on third baseman Brandon Larson’s RBI single. Designated hitter Josh Pressley then singled, first baseman Vito Charavalotti walked, and all three runners scored on catcher Jason Belcher’s game-winning three run double to take the lead 6-4.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Left fielder Michael Ryan doubled and scored on Larson’s RBI double.

Somerset added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning when Ryan doubled and later scored on an RBI ground out by Pressley to make the score 2-0.

Camden got on the board and took the lead with four runs in the top of the fifth inning. Second baseman Richard Lewis doubled, first baseman Ron Davenport singled, and designated hitter Randy McGarvey singled home Lewis. Centerfielder Nic Jackson followed with a three run home run (1) to give the Riversharks a 4-2 lead.

Camden added a run in the top of the ninth inning for the 6-5 final. Patriots reliever Frank Brooks (3-2) picked up the win with a scoreless 0.2 innings pitched. Camden reliever Buddy Hernandez (0-2) suffered the loss, allowing three earned runs on two hits in 0.2 innings pitched. Bret Prinz earned his league leading 11th save of the season for Somerset.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue at home with an 11:05 am game against the Camden Riversharks on Wednesday afternoon. Great seats are still available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

The game itself was a wild one, starting with both offenses lighting up the scoreboard.

The Bears jumped all over Somerset starter Brian Adams. Bobby Hill got the offense rolling with a single and he was followed by Ramon Castro sending a sizzling shot to Teuris Olivares at shortstop. It was ruled an error and the Bears had two men aboard with one out. Cory Aldridge continued his hot hitting, delivering an RBI single. Val Majewski batted in a run with a double later in the inning and John Pachot knocked in two runs with a single. Newark was up 5-0 after the opening frame.

Majewski went five-for-six in the game and fell a home run short of the cycle, which he nearly accomplished in the eleventh inning, falling just a few feet short in right-center field.

“I don’t know, I mean, I knew I hit the ball pretty high up in the air,” said Majewski when asked about his eleventh inning bid. “So I wasn’t sure it had the distance, maybe earlier in the day when it was gustier out there it might have gone.”

Sean Smith’s solo home run in the top of the third made the game 5-1, but Newark posted three more runs on triples by Jose Herrera and Majewski, whom was knocked in by Pachot once again, giving the Bears an 8-1 lead.

The Patriots got back to 8-3 on a two-RBI double by Elliot Ayala in the top of the fourth. Vito Chiaravalotti reached on an error and Jason Belcher singled to put runners in position for Ayala who ripped a line drive down the left-field line.

The Patriots continued to chip away and eventually caught up. Starting pitcher Benito Baez began the top of the fifth by walking Gera Alvarez and Michael Ryan. Two singles and a wild pitch brought them in to make it 8-5. After Baez got two outs, he had almost worked himself out of the jam when Jason Belcher launched a three-run homer to right-center field to tie the game at 8.

“Its disheartening to have your biggest rival down 8-1 and they come back,” said manager Wayne Krenchicki. “You need to score more runs and we need to go out there and stop them from scoring and we didn’t do that. But we did win and its an important ‘W’”

From there on, it was a tightly-contested game featuring a battle of the bullpens.

Edwin Almonte came on in the seventh and tossed three scoreless frames, giving up just two hits and striking out four. Al Levine followed with two shutout innings of his own and Rich Scalamandre finished it off and picked up his second win of the season in his one inning of work.

Eddie Cahill and Travis Minnix were equal to the task, keeping the powerful Newark offense off the scoreboard for four innings. Frank Brooks took the loss for Somerset and fell to 2-1.

There were a few close calls later on in the game. In the seventh, the Bears had the bases loaded with no one out, but were unable to bring anyone in. Castro and Cory Aldridge drew one-out walks in the eighth, but again could not capitalize.

On the Somerset side, Alvarez grounded into a costly double play in the top of the eighth inning with Belcher on third base. They had small rallies in the ninth and tenth inning but were turned aside each time by the Bears.

Then in the 12th, after ripping a long foul ball, Castro got a second opportunity and parked one into the netting in left field to win the game.

“I was thinking about that [homering after hitting the foul ball] but they just kept pitching me inside, inside, inside,” said Castro. “So I knew that and I was able to make good contact and it went out.”

Notes: Herrera’s triple gave him three triples in three games. Castro is now tied for the team lead in home runs despite only playing in ten games so far this season. Somerset starter Adams now only has four career Atlantic League losses and three of them have come from the Bears. Attendance was 2,378.