Lancaster, Penn. – The Somerset Patriots (17-16, 59-44) utilized big innings early in the ballgame for the second-straight night to defeat the Lancaster Barnstormers (21-14, 59-45) 8-2 Friday night at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

Kyle Roller (17) started the scoring in the top of the first inning when he crushed a two-run home run far beyond the right-center field fence. Lancaster responded in the bottom of the second on Garrett Weber’s RBI double. 

Somerset immediately extended their lead to five with a four-run third inning. Four extra-base hits in the inning, including a two-run double from Adam Donachie and RBI doubles from Roller and Carlos Guzman provided the Patriots with their third four-run inning of the series.

The Patriots added two more runs in the eighth on a Mark Minicozzi RBI single and a Scott Kelly sacrifice fly. Garrett Weber (12) topped off the scoring in the bottom of the ninth on a solo home run to center field.

Guzman finished the day 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and an RBI.

“I have just been trying to take good swings and hit strikes,” said Guzman after the game. “I’ve been working with [Patriots hitting coach] Glenn [Barker] to become more quiet at the plate. We are trying to lessen the movement in my legs and hands, and it has worked out.”

Will Oliver (5-3) earned the win, tossing eight one-run innings with eight strikeouts. Jarret Leverett (7-6) took the loss after he allowed six runs on seven hits over four innings.

The Patriots and Barnstormers continue their series Saturday night in Lancaster. Right-hander Lucas Irvine (7-2, 3.60 ERA) takes the mound for Somerset against southpaw Rommie Lewis (6-9, 5.29 ERA) for the Barnstormers. First pitch at Clipper Magazine Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 pm.

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.

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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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