AtL Somerset Patriots

Patriots go Duck hunting with 9-5 win

Published on August 27, 2004 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Somerset Patriots News Release


Bridgewater, NJ - The Somerset Patriots defeated the Long Island Ducks 9-5 before 7,064 fans at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Friday evening to win the team's second straight game.

The Ducks took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a two-run home run by designated hitter Pat Lennon (14).

The Patriots tied up the game on a two run home run by designated hitter Victor Rodriguez (18) in the bottom of the first inning.

The Ducks took the lead with a run in the top of the third inning. First baseman Taylor McCormack doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly by right fielder Jason Johnson to make the score 3-2.

Somerset answered with four runs to take a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Shortstop Jorge Diaz was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on double by center fielder Norm Hutchins, and scored on a grounder by second baseman Jhonny Perez, who reached on an error. Perez stole second to put runners on second and third. Hutchins came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Rodriguez. Perez stole third base and third baseman Jeff Nettles drew a walk. First baseman Chris Lemonis singled home Perez and catcher Manny Santana's sacrifice fly drove in Nettles.

Long Island put up two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Left fielder Wendell Magee doubled and scored on a single by McCormack. Johnson's RBI double scored McCormack to cut the lead to 6-5.

The Patriots added to the lead with a run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Diaz doubled and scored an RBI single by Hutchins.

Somerset continued to roll with two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Perez had a solo home run (9) to lead off the inning and a run scored during a double play with bases loaded that gave the Patriots a 9-6 lead. Newly acquired Diaz went 3 for 5 for Somerset in his debut.

Patriots starter Rich Kelley (5-2) picked up the win, allowing five earned runs on 11 hits in 5.2 innings pitched. Ducks starter Jason Navarro (7-7) suffered the loss, allowing seven runs on eight hits in six innings pitched. Somerset reliever Paul Darnell pitched a scoreless two-thirds of an inning to notch his first save of the season.

The 2004 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue at home with a 7:05 pm game against the Long Island Ducks on Saturday evening. Saturday's game includes 50's Night with a pre-game concert by Jim Barone as Elvis presented by Miller Lite. Great seats are still available by calling (908) 252-0700, by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

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Atlantic League Stories from August 27, 2004


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