AtL Somerset Patriots

Patriots Rally in the Ninth and Win on Nieves' Three-Run Homer

Published on May 18, 2003 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Somerset Patriots News Release


Bridgewater, NJ - The Somerset Patriots rallied for five runs in the ninth inning, including a walk off three run home run by right fielder Melvin Nieves to defeat the Long Island Ducks 6-5 in front of 5,922 fans at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Sunday afternoon to hand the Patriots their first series win of the season.

Third baseman Jeff Nettles drew a walk to lead off the ninth inning. After two straight outs, center fielder Marcus Knight drew a walk to put runners on first and second. Shortstop Matt Dryer followed with a two run double to left to score Nettles and Knight. Second baseman Emiliano Escandon drew a walk and Nieves followed by driving the first pitch of the at bat over the right field wall for a three run home run (3) to win the game.

The Ducks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Shortstop Kevin Baez singled to left and advanced to third on a single by third baseman Rusty McNamara. First baseman Doug Jennings and designated hitter Patrick Lennon followed with back-to-back RBI singles to score Baez and McNamara. Jennings and Lennon advanced on a double steal and Jennings scored on right fielder Mark Whiten's RBI ground out.

Long Island added two more runs to take a 5-0 lead after the fifth inning. Center fielder Kimera Bartee doubled to center field and scored on a single by Jennings. Lennon drew a walk and Jennings advanced to third on a fielder' s choice. Left fielder Derrick Gibson drove in Jennings with an RBI single right field.

The Patriots threatened in the bottom of the eighth inning, but managed to score a run on a double play that made the score 5-1.

Patriots reliever Scott Aldred (1-1) picked up the win with a scoreless inning of work and Ducks reliever Oscar Henriquez (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing five earned runs on two hits in 0.2 innings pitched.

Jennings finished the three game series against the Patriots reaching base 13 of 15 times at bat including eight hits, four walks, and five RBI.

The Somerset Patriots 2003 Season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Monday, May 26th for a special Memorial Day Game at 1:05 pm. 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.

Check out the Somerset Patriots Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Atlantic League Stories from May 18, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central