LaHair Drives In Four To Lead Patriots To Victory

(Photo by Juan Martinez – Double G Media)

Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots (26-22, 64-54) defeated the New Britain Bees (20-28, 56-62) 7-6 on Friday evening at TD Bank Ballpark.

The Patriots jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. The first run came home on a balk by Bees starting pitcher Daniel Sattler. Aharon Eggleston then drove in two runs on a single and Bryan LaHair followed with a two-run double.

Jovan Rosa hit a two-run home run (11) in the top of the fourth inning to cut the lead to 5-2.

LaHair answered again for Somerset with a two-run single in the bottom of the frame that made the score 7-2.

“I’ve been feeling good. I just take one at bat at a time and keep grinding it out,” said LaHair, who has driven in six runs over the past two games.

The Bees cut into the lead in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Jon Griffin that made the score 7-3.

New Britain made it a 7-5 game in the sixth inning on a two-run home run by Craig Maddox (10).

Alexis Candelario (1-1) picked up the win, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits and seven strikeouts in six innings pitched.

“Alexis is so close to such a great outing. He just made a few mistakes that got taken advantage of,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “He’s right on the verge. I think he’s still learning the league. I certainly think he was better than his numbers show tonight.”

Sattler (1-3) suffered the loss, allowing five earned runs on five hits in five innings pitched.

Jon Hunton got into trouble in the ninth, allowing a run, but worked his way out of trouble to earn his 32^nd save of the season.

The 2016 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford continues at home on Saturday night for a 7:05 pm game against the New Britain Bees. The game features a Post-Game Fireworks Show presented by Montclair State University. For tickets, call 908-252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com. Download our Mobile App for free in the Apple or Android App store.