Patriots Split Doubleheader With Zack Britton Start And A 12-0 Shutout
5/29/21 Box Score Game 1 5/29/21 Box Score Game 2
Bridgewater, New Jersey - The Somerset Patriots (16-7) split Saturday night’s doubleheader against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (9-14) at TD Bank Ballpark. New Hampshire took the first game 6-1 before Somerset’s offense erupted for a 12-0 shutout.
Zack Britton started game one to commence his rehab assignment in Somerset. The two-time All-Star faced four batters and allowed a hit in his 18-pitch return. He becomes the first MLB rehab assignment for the Patriots as the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate.
“Overall, it was pretty good. Obviously not sharp where I want to be, but very similar to where I’d be in a first outing in spring training,” said Britton. “My arm feels good, and I was excited to get out there, especially in front of fans. Today was really just getting used to everything, so I look forward to polishing my pitches up as I move forward.”
HISTORY!@zbritton today became the first player to make a major league rehab appearance for the Patriots! pic.twitter.com/cja2dMrn0X
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 29, 2021
Shawn Semple (L, 0-2) took over in the second and allowed three runs in his four innings of work. The damage was done in the fourth inning on an RBI groundout by Vinny Capra, a passed ball, and an RBI ground-rule double by Kevin Vicuna.
In the fifth inning, Isiah Gilliam’s solo shot (1) briefly cut the lead to 3-1 before Carlos Espinal allowed three unanswered runs on three hits through his two innings of work. Austin Martin’s two-run single in the sixth put the game out of reach.
Zach Logue (3-0) earned the win after a 12-strikeout performance over six strong innings.
The Patriots came back with a vengeance in game two, putting up a seven-spot in the first inning en route to their largest margin of victory of the season. Matt Pita collected four RBI overall, including a bases-clearing double in the first, while six different Patriots recorded at least one RBI on the night.
Hey, @Matt_Pita we have the bases loaded, can you fix that?
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 30, 2021
"Sure, no problem," him probably. Here's three of the seven runs the Patriots scored in the first! pic.twitter.com/dpEYix8bTQ
Beltre’s solo shot (3) in the third inning led to a 10-0 lead.
Patriots' pitchers shut down the Fisher Cats offense throughout the seven innings. Starter Matt Krook threw three scoreless innings with five strikeouts, while Michael Gomez (W, 3-0) and Reid Anderson combined for nine strikeouts to close out the Cats.
The Fisher Cats worked through four different pitchers, with the loss going to starter Cre Finfrock (L, 0-1) after he allowed five earned runs in 0.1 innings pitched.
The Patriots and Fisher Cats complete their six-game series tomorrow afternoon at TD Bank Ballpark; first pitch will be at 1:05 p.m.
About the Somerset Patriots
The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.
To learn more, visit: somersetpatriots.com.