Patriots Sweep on the Road 

By Lexi Semanchik | SomersetPatriots.Com Beat Writer

Lexi Semanchik is a resident of Flemington, New Jersey and a rising senior at Emerson College majoring in Sports Communications.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ- The Patriots bounced back in all ways in their series against the Hartford Yard Goats this week. Dermis Garcia fueled the offense as he collected 11 RBI in the series and currently has a ten-game hitting streak.

Another day, another 💣 from Dermis Garcia! This no-doubter is his sixth homer of the season, all coming in his last nine games! pic.twitter.com/QRIHIXUPxp

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 22, 2021

In both Thursday and Friday night’s games, everyone in the lineup had at least one hit. Aaron Pelensky collected a few RBI singles and doubles in his professional debut. Michael Beltre continued his work at the plate as he collected seven RBI, including his first home run in a game that he fell a double short of the cycle. Matt Pita collected an RBI double and a nod from SportsCenter Top 10 Plays after falling into the netting as he reeled in a fly ball in left field.

The story of this road trip, however, was strikeouts. The staff tallied 80 strikeouts in their sweep of Hartford. Right-hander Glenn Otto threw a gem on Friday night when he struck out 14 of the 16 batters he saw in his 5.1 inning start. Luis Gil, Matt Krook and Janson Junk all had shutout starts with nine, seven, and six strikeouts. Stephen Ridings continued his dominance from the mound as he picked up another win after tossing five strikeouts in two scoreless innings. The pitching staff allowed only 14 runs on 37 hits as they managed the Yard Goats offense effectively.

The Patriots now make their return home to face the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays) in a six-game homestand at TD Bank Ballpark.