New Britain, Conn. – The Somerset Patriots (7-4) ended their four-game losing streak with a 12-1 victory over the New Britain Bees (4-6) in the opener of a four-game series Monday night at New Britain Stadium.

The Patriots opened up the scoring with a four-run top of the first. A sacrifice fly from Olmo Rosario, followed by RBI singles from Bryan LaHair and Carlos Guzman, along with an RBI groundout from Tyler Bortnick, provided the early Somerset lead. Rosario then added an RBI single in the top of the 2nd to increase the Patriots’ lead to 5-0.

Somerset starting pitcher Tyler Cloyd worked four scoreless innings with six strikeouts before a run-scoring fielder’s choice from Jerry Sands in the fifth increased the lead to 6-0. Three more runs would come home in the top of the seventh inning on an RBI groundout and a two-run throwing error from New Britain shortstop Steve Carillo.

“It felt good to get back out there and play with this team again,” said Somerset Patriots outfielder Darren Ford, who went 3-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. “Like I have said before, it is a blessing to be on this team. Today i was able to get on base, do my job, and it worked out well for us.”

Michael Crouse (2) got the Bees on the scoreboard in the bottom of the eighth with a solo home run before Carlos Guzman (1) topped off the scoring with a three-run shot in the top of the ninth.

Rick Teasley (2-0) earned the win after allowing one run over four innings of relief. New Britain starter Eric Fornataro (0-1) took the loss, yielding five runs on seven hits in four innings of work.

Patriots southpaw Logan Darnell (0-1, 7.20 ERA) takes the mound for Somerset in Tuesday night’s ballgame against Bees’ righty Jason Jarvis (0-0, 3.37 ERA).

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.

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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.

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