Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 8-2 at TD Bank Ballpark on Sunday afternoon to complete the four-game sweep of the opening series of the 2017 season.

The Patriots jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a two-run single by Jerry Sands. It’s was his second straight day with a two-run hit to break a tie game.

Somerset doubled the lead the next inning on a two-run double by Darren Ford to make the score 4-0. Ford finished the game 4-for-5 with three runs scored, two doubles, and two RBI.

 “I’m just trying to play my role. I know I have a lot of great hitters behind me,” said Ford. “I’m just trying to get on base as the leadoff guy. I found a way today and it worked out.”

Lancaster got on the board with a run in the top of the fourth inning on an RBI single by Blake Gailen and a second run in the fifth inning on Anderson De La Rosa’s RBI double.

The Patriots added three runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by Olmo Rosario’s RBI single to left field. Rosario is hitting .500 on the season.

“From what I’ve seen, we have a really good team,” said Rosario who has been plugged into the three spot in the lineup the past three games. “I’ve been seeing the ball well so far and it’s helped me see the good pitches.”

Somerset’s final run scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Patriots reliever Justin Wright (1-0) went 0.1 innings with a strike out to earn the win. Tommy Shirley (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing seven runs (six earned) on six hits in four innings pitched.

The 2017 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home on Tuesday evening with a 7:05 pm game against the Long Island Ducks. The game features Most Improved Student Night. For tickets, visit www.somersetpatriots.com.