Lancaster, PA – The Somerset Patriots (40-20, 86-44) defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers (32-29, 68-62) 5-4 in 10 innings Thursday evening from Clipper Magazine Stadium to win the rubber match of the three game midweek series. The win propelled the Patriots into the playoffs for the first time since 2010. The victory also tied a Somerset single season record for most overall wins in a year. In 2009 the Patriots amassed 86 total victories.
In the top of the first inning third baseman Corey Smith tallied a RBI sacrifice fly to give the Patriots an early 1-0 lead.
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Somerset added a run in the top of the seventh inning as catcher James Skelton slugged a solo home run (4) to right-center field to make the score 2-0.
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In the bottom of the seventh inning Lancaster took a 3-2 lead as the scored three runs. Center fielder Jerry Owens legged out a RBI infield single and shortstop Joe Thurston socked a two RBI double.
The Patriots tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the ninth inning as right fielder Jorge Cortes pounded a RBI double.
In the top of the 10th inning Yunesky Sanchez slugged a solo home run (7) to left field and pinch hitter Bobby Stevens tallied a RBI sacrifice fly to make the score 5-3.
In the bottom of the 10th inning catcher Dayton Buller stroked a RBI single that made the score 5-4 which would be the final.
Joe Torres (1-0) earned the win in relief. Jason Richardson (3-3) suffered the loss in relief. Jon Hunton notched his Atlantic League leading 37th save of the season.
