SOMERSET NJ – For the second consecutive night, Somerset jumped out to an early lead and fended off Southern Maryland to pick up the 7-5 victory in game two of the series.
In the bottom of the first, the Patriots scored two runs on the singles from Eric Farris, and Bryan LaHair. Southern Maryland tied the game in the top of the second. Gustavo Molina ripped a double to left center and that was followed by Zach Wilson’s two run homerun to tie the game at 2-2.
Both teams went on with the back and forth scoring the next inning. Somerset loaded the bases in the bottom of the second when Eric Farris stepped to the dish and walked to force in a run. The Blue Crabs tied the game with Gustavo Molina’s sacrifice fly to left.
In the bottom of the frame, Somerset took the lead and that proved to be the difference. The Patriots loaded the bases off southpaw Brian Burres when Scott Kelly stepped to the plate and hit a groundball to the shortstop Eric Garcia. Garcia booted the baseball and allowed two runs to score.
Brian Van Kirk and Bryan LaHair added runs for the Patriots with a solo home run and single respectively. RHP Donovan Hand picked up the win in five innings of work. Meanwhile, on the offensive side of things, each team banged out 12 hits apiece.
Southern Maryland will look to salvage the series tomorrow evening at TD Bank Ballpark. The first pitch is set for 5:05 P.M.
