Lancaster, Penn. – Three separate three-run innings lifted the Lancaster Barnstormers (37-30) to a 9-7 victory over the Somerset Patriots (41-27) in Friday night’s series-opener at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

Lancaster took an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Two-out RBI base hits from Sean Halton, Garret Weber and Trayvon Robinson highlighted the inning. Somerset responded a half-inning later with back-to-back home runs from Yovan Gonzalez (3) and Carlos Guzman (2) to even the game at three. 

The Barnstormers regained a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the third inning on a two-run home run from Sean Halton (15) and a two-out RBI single from Vladimir Frias. Lancaster increased its lead to 9-6 in the fourth on a Halton RBI triple and a Weber (9) two-run home run.

Somerset began its comeback effort with a three-run fifth inning, highlighted by an RBI double from Olmo Rosario and an RBI single from Gonzalez. The Patriots trimmed the deficit to 9-7 in the sixth when Christian Marrero drew a bases-loaded walk, but the rally ended there.

Kevin Munson (2-3) earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Will Oliver (3-1) took the loss, yielding nine runs over four innings. Anthony Carter (15) struck out the side in the top of the ninth inning to earn the save.

The Patriots and Barnstormers continue their three-game set Saturday evening in Lancaster. Logan Darnell (3-2, 4.34 ERA) takes the mound for Somerset against Lancaster southpaw John Anderson (0-0, 4.21 ERA). First pitch at Clipper Magazine Stadium scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Tickets to the 2017 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford, which includes the team’s 20th Anniversary, are on sale now. TD Bank Ballpark will be the host of the 2017 Atlantic League All-Star Game presented by RWJBarnabas Health and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey on Wednesday, July 12^th. 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 36 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.