York Revolution catch fire in first game of doubleheader

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The temperature was hot. The Patriots were not.

York Revolution pitcher Duke von Schamann, who whipped pitches as fiery as the game-time heatwave, was backed by a powerful offense en route to a 7-1 victory at TD Bank Ballpark in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.

The Revolution have taken the league by storm as of late now winners in 25 of their last 33 contests dating back to June 20. They currently sit atop the Freedom Division at 13-6 in the second half and have won their last seven road games.

Patriots hurler VInce Molesky entered the game after starter David Holmberg, who missed nearly a month, and lasted four batters. He committed an early error in the first inning. Holmberg’s blemish would be relatively small to the stain Molesky left on the game.

Molesky’s four innings of work were not ones he’d like to remember after allowing five earned runs in the fifth inning, as York saw their lead balloon to 6-1.

Back-to-back RBI singles from former Patriot Justin Trapp and Revolution left fielder Melky Mesa brought in the first pair of runs. One batter and an intentional walk later, designated hitter Carlos Franco had an RBI single of his own.

The scoring parade was capped by a Welington Dotel RBI single which drove in Telvin Nash.

Adding insult to injury was Isaias Tejeda, who brought in Nash again in the seventh on a sacrifice fly.

Somerset relief pitcher Nate Roe was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Scott Hart after a controversial balk call on a pickoff attempt to second base in the seventh inning. Roe hurled a ball out of the ballpark upon returning to the dugout.

According to the new second half Atlantic League rules, “a pitcher may throw to any base provided he disengages the rubber.” If a pitcher fails to do so the result is a balk.

Somerset’s lone run came in the home third when Gabriel Bracamonte grounded into a force out that scored Craig Massey.

The Patriots have now dropped nine of their last 12 games and sit in the basement of the Atlantic League at 6-12 in the second half.

Somerset needs a win in the worst way in order to snap a three game skid. They’ll have another chance to do that at 7:05 pm tonight in the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader where newly acquired pitcher Bobby Blevins will start for the Patriots.

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