Lancaster, Penn. – The Lancaster Barnstormers (31-24, 69-56) withstood a pair of late Somerset Patriots (25-29, 67-57) rallies to hold on to a 2-1 victory in Friday night’s opener at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

Both teams exchanged scoreless innings until the bottom of the seventh inning, when a two-out rally culminated in a Cole Garner two-run single. 

Somerset responded in the top of the eighth inning on a two-out RBI single from D’Vontrey Richardson to creep within a run. The Patriots rally eventually came up short, stranding runners in scoring position in both the eighth and ninth innings.

Despite the loss, Patrick Johnson tossed four scoreless innings of relief.

“I’ve just gotten my rhythm and timing back,” said Johnson after the game. “I have been able to get my repetitions [in every appearance], so I am starting to see some results.”

John Kuchno (3-1) earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Connor Root (1-3) took the loss after allowing two runs over two innings of relief. Anthony Carter (28) earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

Somerset continues its four-game series against Lancaster Saturday night. Left-handed pitcher Efrain Nieves (3-4, 3.01 ERA) takes the mound against Barnstormers’ southpaw Jarret Leverett (7-7, 6.39 ERA). First pitch at Clipper Magazine Stadium is set for 6:35 p.m.

Tickets to the 2017 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford, which includes the team’s 20th Anniversary, are on sale now. For more information, stop by the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 37 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.