Lara Victorious In Opener, Three Hits Each For Dotel And Nina In The Nightcap
(Bridgeport, CT– August 9, 2017) – The Bridgeport Bluefish (17-16, 58-45) and Lancaster Barnstormers (21-12, 59-43) spilt a day/night doubleheader on Wednesday at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard, with Bridgeport winning game one 7-1 in seven innings of play, and Lancaster coming away with the victory in game two 7-6.
In game one, Bridgeport starting pitcher Rainy Lara (8-6) earned the win, giving up just one run on three hits in five innings of work, walking two and striking out five. The 2017 Liberty Division All-Star notches his first victory since July 1st, a 7-5 win in seven innings versus the New Britain Bees in the Hardware City. Lancaster starting pitcher John Kuchno (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing two runs (one earned run) on two hits across four innings pitched, walking three and striking out two.
Bridgeport took a 2-0 lead against Kuchno in the bottom half of the second inning when Angelys Nina plated Sean Burroughs and Jonathan Galvez with a well-struck two-run double to straightaway centerfield. Leading 2-1, the ‘Fish went ahead 6-1 with four insurance runs in the home half of the fifth, highlighted by a three-run home run to left field off the bat of Galvez, who now leads the ballclub in roundtrippers with 13 and Runs Batted in driving home 57. A two-out run-scoring infield single by Welington Dotel allowed Ozney Guillen to cross the plate after he reached with a leadoff two-base hit to begin the frame, giving the contest its final score of 7-1. Dotel led the way for the Bluefish with a pair of hits.
In Game Two, Bridgeport starting pitcher Manny Parra (1-1) was tagged with the loss, surrendering six runs on eight hits in four and two-thirds innings pitched, walking four and striking out seven while also throwing a pair of wild pitches. Lancaster starting pitcher Brad Bergesen (9-6) picked up the win, giving up five runs (four earned runs) on seven hits (one home run) over five and one-third innings on the mound, striking out two. Anthony Carter closed out the game in the bottom half of the ninth to notch his team-leading 25th save of the season.
Trailing 7-3, the ‘Fish got to within 7-6 with a pair of runs in the home half of the sixth on an RBI single by Sean Burroughs and a run-scoring groundout from Jonathan Galvez, followed by a two-base hit off the bat of Welington Dotel in the bottom of the seventh that allowed Angelys Nina to cross the plate after he picked up a base knock to begin the frame. Bridgeport threatened in the bottom of the ninth, but could not bring the tying-run home from second base as Abreu was retired by Carter to give the Barnstormers the one-run victory. Dotel and Nina had three hits each in the losing effort.
Bridgeport now welcomes in the Sugar Land Skeeters to the Ballpark at Harbor Yard for a four-game series beginning on Thursday, August 10th. First pitch is scheduled for 11:12 A.M. CLICK HERE for tickets.
About the Bridgeport Bluefish
The Bridgeport Bluefish are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. For further information, call 203-210-BLUE (2583) or visit BridgeportBluefish.com
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 37 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population. For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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