
Patriots Split Doubleheader with Zack Britton Start and a 12-0 Shutout
May 29, 2021 - Eastern League (EL)
Somerset Patriots News Release
Bridgewater, New Jersey - The Somerset Patriots (16-7) split Saturday night's doubleheader against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (9-14) at TD Bank Ballpark. New Hampshire took the first game 6-1 before Somerset's offense erupted for a 12-0 shutout.
Zack Britton started game one to commence his rehab assignment in Somerset. The two-time All-Star faced four batters and allowed a hit in his 18-pitch return. He becomes the first MLB rehab assignment for the Patriots as the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate.
"Overall, it was pretty good. Obviously not sharp where I want to be, but very similar to where I'd be in a first outing in spring training," said Britton. "My arm feels good, and I was excited to get out there, especially in front of fans. Today was really just getting used to everything, so I look forward to polishing my pitches up as I move forward."
Shawn Semple (L, 0-2) took over in the second and allowed three runs in his four innings of work. The damage was done in the fourth inning on an RBI groundout by Vinny Capra, a passed ball, and an RBI ground-rule double by Kevin Vicuna.
In the fifth inning, Isaiah Gilliam's solo shot (1) briefly cut the lead to 3-1 before Carlos Espinal allowed three unanswered runs on three hits through his two innings of work. Austin Martin's two-run single in the sixth put the game out of reach.
Zach Logue (3-0) earned the win after a 12-strikeout performance over six strong innings.
The Patriots came back with a vengeance in game two, putting up a seven-spot in the first inning en route to their largest margin of victory of the season. Matt Pita collected four RBI overall, including a bases-clearing double in the first, while six different Patriots recorded at least one RBI on the night.
"The team started off hot with [Michael Beltre] leading it off and we just kept it rolling," Pita said. "We are a very dangerous squad when the bats are hot and we are having fun. Our pitchers always shove so it's up to us to get things going and it was a rebound from the first game."
Beltre's solo shot (3) in the third inning led to a 10-0 lead.
Patriots' pitchers shut down the Fisher Cats offense throughout the seven innings. Starter Matt Krook threw three scoreless innings with five strikeouts, while Michael Gomez (W, 3-0) and Reid Anderson combined for nine strikeouts to close out the Cats.
The Fisher Cats worked through four different pitchers, with the loss going to starter Cre Finfrock (L, 0-1) after he allowed five earned runs in 0.1 innings pitched.
The Patriots and Fisher Cats complete their six-game series tomorrow afternoon at TD Bank Ballpark; first pitch will be at 1:05 p.m.
Images from this story
![]() Somerset Patriots pitcher Zack Britton |
![]() Somerset Patriots exchange high fives after a run |
Eastern League Stories from May 29, 2021
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- Fisher Cats Split Doubleheader with Patriots on Saturday - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
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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.
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