Saturday, May 7, 2011

Patriots Drop Home Opener 8-6 to Barnstormers at TD Bank Ballpark Friday

The Lancaster Barnstormers defeated the Somerset Patriots 8-6 last night at TD Bank Ballpark. It was the home Opening Day for the Patriots who looked to take control early with 6 runs scored in the bottom of the 1st. Unfortunately things did not work out for the home club and the loss makes it five in a row. Center fielder Wayne Lydon walked to open the game and new shortstop Fernando Cortez hit a two-run homer to make it 2-0. Third baseman Jeff Nettles singled, followed by walks to DH Josh Pressley and right fielder Michael Hernandez. Second basemen Wayne Hagen hit a rocket for the grand slam that gave the Patriots a 6-0 lead after 1. Unfortunately Lancaster scored 4 in the top of the 3rd, 1 run in the 5th and 2 more in the 7th. The Patriots were unable to comeback and lost the game 8-6. The Barnstormers lived up to their name with a 16-hit barrage. Bill Pulsipher was tagged with the loss on a very tough night, giving up 5 earned runs, 10 hits (1 HR), with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. My early thoughts on the Patriots team: outfielders looked a bit rusty, shortstop Cortez has a canon for an arm, center field Lydon and right fielder Hernandez let the ball eat them up, and just need some more games under their belts. My Wife and I are looking forward to seeing our friends again tonight at TD Bank Ballpark where we hope the home team will break their winless streak. Let’s Go Patriots!

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