Patriots Shutdown Barnstormers

Added by Philip Mathew on June 8, 2012.

After losing 10 of their last 11 games, the Somerset Patriots came out with a new lineup and adjustments on defense for a change of pace.  The results were immediate, as Somerset won 6-0 Thursday night at TD Bank Ballpark.  The Patriots now go on the road for six games against the Sugar Land Skeeters.

In the second inning, first baseman Jeff Nettles led off with a walk and was followed by left fielder Aaron Mathews and catcher Yusuf Carter with walks of their own.  Right fielder Johnny Drennen came up and hit a bases-clearing triple down the right field line to give the Patriots a 3-0 lead.

Center fielder Joe Holden, in his second game back as a member of the Patriots, hit an RBI single to center field to score Drennen and increase the Somerset lead to 4-0.

The Freedom Division leading Barnstormers were looking to take a three-game series sweep along with their eighth win in ten games against their rivals.  Lancaster’s best chance was in the fourth inning.

The Barnstormers had not gotten a hit off Somerset starter Paul Phillips through three innings.  Second baseman Brad Boyer and designated hitter Tommy Everidge led off the fourth with singles to left field but first baseman Terry Tiffee grounded into a double play to end the rally chance.

Somerset would make Lancaster pay in the bottom half of the inning, after third baseman Freddy Sandoval led off with a single to left field.  Carter came up with one down and hit a two-run home run to left-center field for a 6-0 Patriots lead and the eventual final.

Phillips earned the win, throwing seven shutout innings for Somerset.  Phillips struck out five and gave up four hits and two walks along the way.  Lancaster starter John Halama took the loss, surrendering six runs, seven hits and four walks over five innings while striking out four Patriots.

Game Notes

• The Patriots signed Holden and RHP Andrew Dobles Wednesday.  Both players are on their second stint with Somerset.
• Infielder Rex Rundgren went on the disabled list with a toe injury.
• RHP David Quinowski was placed on the Inactive List May 31; Dobles takes his spot on roster.
•  RHP Anthony Claggett was released by Somerset to make room for Holden.