New Britain Plays Spoiler On Opening Night With Victory Over Bluefish
April 28, 2016 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
(Bridgeport, CT) - The New Britain Bees (4-4) defeated the Bridgeport Bluefish (3-5) 7-6 at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard on opening night as the two in-state rivals faced each other for the first time in Atlantic League history. The 'Fish scored six unanswered runs after the Bees took a 7-0 lead but the late inning rally fell just short as New Britain was able to narrowly escape victory.
Bridgeport Starting Pitcher Matt Iannazzo (0-2) was tagged with the loss, lasting just three and one third innings, surrendering five runs on three hits, walking four, striking out three and hitting one batter. New Britain Starting Pitcher Cole Johnson (1-1) earned the victory in six innings of work, allowing one run on nine hits, walking one and striking out two. Craig Stem gave up a run on two hits in the bottom half of the ninth inning, but was able to strand the tying run at third base to register his second save of the season.
New Britain got on the board on the top half of the first inning off Iannazzo, as Jon Griffin belted a two run double plating former Bluefish Jovan Rosa and Kevin Rivers, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead just five batters into the ballgame. The Bees would make it 5-0 in their favor in the top of the fourth on an RBI double by Steve Carrillo and a two riun single from Greg Golson, with all of the runs charged to the southpaw Iannazzo. Back to back RBI singles in the sixth from Golson and Rosa off reliever Brian Moran extended the lead to 7-0, forcing Bridgeport to try and climb out of a very large hole.
Bridgeport's pursuit of a comeback began in the home half of the sixth inning when Luis Hernandez drove home Josh Vitter to make it 7-1. Vitters drove home a pair in the seventh with a double to make it 7-3 New Britain. In the eighth, an RBI fielder's choice by Endy Chavez (who left the game on the play to due injury) and a sacrifice fly by Dan Johnson got the 'Fish even closer, as the score all of a sudden was 7-5. With the fans pumped up for "rally time", Bridgeport came to bat in the ninth against Stem. Vitters led off the frame with his second consecutive two bagger, and was brought home by Wilkin Ramirez to make it 7-6 Bees. With the tying run just ninety feet away, Stem was able to induce Ruben Sosa Jr. to ground into a comebacker to the mound, and New Britain was able to breathe a sigh of relief as they narrowly held on for the 7-6 victory. Luis Rodriguez led the way the for Bridgeport with three of their 13 overall hits, and Ruben Sosa extended his on base streak to eight consecutive games.
Bridgeport continues their series with the New Britain Bees at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard on Friday, April 29th. First pitch is scheduled for 7:12 P.M. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a Welington Dotel Commemorative Baseball Card, highlighting his 2015 campaign where he won Atlantic League Player of the Year honors.
Atlantic League Stories from April 28, 2016
- Limonta's Homecoming Spoils Revs' Home Opener - York Revolution
- Barnstormers Drop Home Opener - Lancaster Stormers
- New Britain Plays Spoiler On Opening Night With Victory Over Bluefish - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Bees Best Bluefish in First Road Contest - New Britain Bees
- Bats Break out as Ducks Win Home Opener - Long Island Ducks
- Somerset Extends Winning Streak to Eight to Start 2016 - Somerset Patriots
- Bluefish and News 12 Connecticut Announce Hyperlocal Start Times for 2016 Season - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Peview - Bees Hit the Road for First Away Series - New Britain Bees
- Barnstormers Fall In 10 - Lancaster Stormers
- Bridgeport Closes Out First Road Trip With Doubleheader Split - Bridgeport Bluefish
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