SeaWolves Power Past Patriots to Start Series

The SeaWolves won their first-ever game against the Somerset Patriots on Tuesday night at UPMC Park. Erie clubbed another three home runs to knock off the new Yankees affiliate 8-2.

Ricardo Pinto tossed 6.2 innings for the SeaWolves to earn the win, the longest outing by an Erie pitcher this season. Somerset only pushed one runner into scoring position over the first six innings, and finally broke through against Pinto in the seventh when Dermis Garcia hit his 11th home run of the season to plate two runs. Ethan DeCaster took over on the mound for Erie and kept Somerset off of the board for an inning, and Yaya Chentouf tossed a scoreless ninth.

Erie plated four runs in the first four innings, mostly backed up by their power. Drew Ward lifted his third home run of the year to the batter’s eye to lead off the second inning. Ryan Kreidler opened the fourth inning with a single before coming around to score on another single by Andre Lipcius. Lipcius later scored on a home run to right field by Josh Lester, his fifth long ball of the year.

Lester drove in another run in the sixth inning when he tripled to center field to bring around Ward. Erie added to their total in the seventh when John Valente singled, stole second base, moved ahead on an error, and finally scored on a sacrifice fly by Riley Greene.

Lipcius rejoined the offensive attack in the eighth inning, capping the night with a two-run home run, his second in as many games.

Erie continues their series with Somerset on Wednesday at UPMC Park. It will be the first Bark in the Park night of the season, where all well-behaved dogs will be admitted to UPMC Park for free. The game will feature plenty of amenities for fans and their dogs to enjoy. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.