With the win the Patriots improved to an Atlantic League best record of 40-23 and clinched the first half Freedom Division title. The half title is the tenth in Patriots history and gives the Patriots their eighth playoff appearance in the Atlantic League’s 12 seasons. The Barnstormers dropped to 29-33.

 

Lancaster struck first with a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead when centerfielder Michael Woods hit a two out solo home run (3) to right.

 

Somerset then answered with three runs in the top of the second inning to take a 3-1 lead. Catcher Jason Belcher lined a one out single to left center, advanced to second on a walk to shortstop Teuris Olivares and scored on a Barnstormers’ throwing error on a fielder’s choice ground ball to second off the bat of designated hitter Travis Anderson. Leftfielder Elliott Ayala followed with a sacrifice fly to left center that plated Olivares and then centerfielder Sean Smith ripped a two out RBI single to left that scored Anderson .

 

The Patriots added a run in the top of the fifth inning to make it 4-1 when rightfielder Mike Rodriguez led off with a single up the middle, stole second and scored on a one out RBI double to right center by second baseman Matt Hagen.

 

The Barnstormers plated their final run in the bottom of the ninth inning when first baseman Bryan Sabatella led off with a double into the right field corner, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI ground out to short by rightfielder Ryan Mulhern.

 

Patriots’ starter Jim Magrane (9-1) picked up the win, allowing one run on six hits while striking out five and walking two in seven innings of work. Barnstormers’ starter Ben Fritz (3-4) suffered the loss, allowing four runs, one earned, on seven hits while walking two and striking out three in 6.2 innings pitched. Patriots’ closer Bret Prinz pitched the ninth for his fourth save of the season.

 

The 2009 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue on Thursday, July 2nd when the Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The game is Strike Out Cancer Night presented by Cancer Treatment Centers of America . For tickets, stop by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.