EL Somerset Patriots

Patriots Season Ends in Crushing 5-4 Loss

Published on September 19, 2021 under Eastern League (EL)
Somerset Patriots News Release


Somerset Patriots line up before the season finale
Somerset Patriots line up before the season finale
(Somerset Patriots)

Akron, Ohio - The Somerset Patriots (72-47) held the lead most of the way Sunday afternoon, but for the second time this week, the Akron RubberDucks (73-46) rallied late and earned a 5-4 win. With Somerset's loss, their 2021 season has ended.

American League Cy Young Award winning pitcher Shane Bieber got the start for Akron in a rehab appearance and Somerset's bats got to him early. Oswaldo Cabrera (24), just the third batter of the game, launched a two-run home run to push the Patriots ahead 2-0.

In the fourth, Dermis Garcia crushed a solo home run to extend the lead 3-0 and chase Bieber from the game. Garcia's homer marked his 31st of the season, a new franchise record for a single player and set a record for most home runs hit by the team in a single season (175).

The Patriots tacked on another insurance run in the seventh after a Garcia double. The infielder advanced to third on a ground ball and scored on an Akron throwing error to make it 4-0.

But Akron battled back.

In the seventh, Bryan Lavastida drilled a triple down the line in right field then scored on a wild pitch to put Akron on the scoreboard, 4-1.

Then in the eighth, the RubberDucks rallied against Somerset's bullpen. Nick Ernst (L, 0-2, BS, 1) was in his second inning of relief work and, after recording the first out, allowed a walk followed by a single. Jose Fermin (6) then launched a three-run home run to tie the game 4-4. Lavastida worked a walk and against reliever Addison Russ, George Valera singled to left field to cap off Akron's rally. The Ducks took a 5-4 lead and that was enough to lead them to a victory.

Luis Medina shined over six innings of work and allowed just one run on one hit while striking out four, but earned a no decision. Logan Allen (4-0) impressed out of the bullpen and tossed five innings allowing just an unearned run to score on four hits.

With the loss and a Bowie Baysox win, the Patriots are eliminated from playoff contention. Akron has clinched the top seed and Bowie has locked up the second seed.

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Somerset Patriots line up before the season finale
Somerset Patriots line up before the season finale
   



Eastern League Stories from September 19, 2021


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