Somerset sweeps doubleheader for much needed wins

An awakening of the bats produced six runs in the home third inning of game one in their doubleheader against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

Ramon Flores kicked things off with a double to right field on a 1-2 count which sent Scott Kelly across the plate evening to score 1-1.

Flores’ effort were matched by four consecutive RBI singles from Rey Navarro, Edwin Espinal, Craig Massey and Mike Ohlman respectively added to Somerset’s already growing advantage.

“We’re just trying to build off each other and hit as a team,” said Massey, who sent Espinal across the plate for the final run. “I’m just trying to get on base for the big guys and get some offense going.

A gritty pitching duel in the nightcap of the doubleheader saw Patriots hurler Bret Oberholtzer earn his third victory and closer Mike Antonini record his league-best 13th save.

The two combined to retire eight batters and allow one walk in the 1-0 shutout. Both games were an abbreviated seven innings.

https://twitter.com/SOMPatriots/status/1136434481454358528

Playing in his second game at TD Bank Ballpark since joining Somerset, outfielder Mike Crouse blasted a solo home run in the third inning with no-one on and nobody out.

https://twitter.com/SOMPatriots/status/1136423663371214849

The Patriots wrap up the series on Thursday June 6 before they conclude the homestead with a three-game set against the York Revolution.

Follow Dylan Manfre on Twitter for the latest news on the Somerset Patriots and the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.