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Roller’s 9th Inning Homer Leads Patriots To 8-7 Win

829webWaldorf, MD – Kyle Roller slugged a go ahead two-run home run (7) in the top of the ninth inning to lift the Somerset Patriots (27-24, 65-56) to a dramatic 8-7 victory over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (23-27, 49-71) Monday night at Regency Furniture Stadium. It was Roller’s third straight game with a home run. Since signing with the squad last month, he is batting .326 with 26 RBI in 33 games.

 

“I know my job on this team, and that’s to drive in runs and hit home runs,” said Roller who finished 4-for-5. “That’s a situation where I’m looking to do damage. I’m anticipating a pitch up, and I saw a split-finger I liked and put a good swing on it.”

 

Somerset gave up three different leads, but held on to their fourth as Jon Hunton notched his league leading 33rd save by throwing a scoreless ninth inning.

 

The Patriots scored in the first inning via a passed ball. The Blue Crabs countered in the same inning as Michael Snyder blasted a two-run home run (20).

 

In the top of the second inning, Rob Kral cranked a two-run double to put the Patriots ahead 3-2.

 

Southern Maryland answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the second inning as Eric Garcia and Angel Sanchez each recorded RBI singles.

 

Somerset grabbed a 6-4 lead in the fourth inning. Scott Kelly roped an RBI double. Brian Van Kirk drew a bases loaded walk, while another run was added on a fielding error.

 

Randy Boone hurled a wild pitch in the home half of the fourth inning to plate a run as the deficit for the Blue Crabs was trimmed to 6-5.

 

In the bottom of the eighth inning the Blue Crabs rallied to take a 7-6 advantage thanks to RBI doubles from both Jamar Walton and Garcia.

 

The Patriots tallied their 36th come from behind victory of the year. They remain 0.5 games ahead of Bridgeport in the Liberty Division with 19 games to go.

 

Mike Thomas (5-1) earned the win. Craig Stem (2-7) blew the save and suffered the loss, yielding two runs in one inning.

 

The 2016 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford continues on the road until the team returns to TD Bank Ballpark on Monday, September 5th for a 6:05 p.m. game against the Sugar Land Skeeters. For tickets, call 908-252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com. Download our Mobile App for free in the Apple or Android App store.

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