The Patriots need to rebound from last night’s loss if they want to win the first half Freedom Division title. Steve Kelly (4-4, 4.73) will take the mound for the Patriots against Newark’s Benito Baez (4-2, 3.41).
Momentum and the pitching matchup seem to favor the Bears, but tonight’s game is a must-win for the Patriots. If Somerset can’t win tonight, they’d have to go 3-0 in the final three games of the half to win the playoff spot.
The Patriots rebounded and blew out the Bears tonight, 10-1. (I missed the game to attend a 4th of July barbecue, so don’t look for a detailed recap or photos.)
Steve Kelly was clearly the player of the game. He pitched a complete game 6-hitter, limiting the Bears to just 1 run. Not only did he virtually shut down the Bears’ offense, he allowed Sparky Lyle to rest his bullpen in advance of tomorrow’s double header.
The Patriots’ offense tonight came mainly via the longball. Sean Smith (6), Michael Ryan (12), Teuris Olivares (2), Brandon Larson (13), and Josh Pressley (11) all hit home runs. I’m still a bit worried about Somerset’s ability to advance runners and score without hitting home runs, but now the first half is down to a best of three series over the next two days. Hopefully the Patriots can pull it off.
