Late Garcia homer leads Patriots to thrilling win

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Hartford, Conn. – The Somerset Patriots (8-5) got a game-winning home run in the top of the ninth inning to steal a 2-1 win over the Hartford Yard Goats (5-8) in Tuesday night’s series-opener at Dunkin Donuts Park.

Trailing 1-0 heading to the final frame, Donny Sands led off the ninth with a double off of Tommy Doyle (L, 0-1). That set the stage for Dermis Garcia (3) to blast a two-run home run over the left-field fence to put the Patriots ahead 2-1. It marked the third home run for Garcia over his last four games.

DON'T MESS WITH DERMIS 💣💣💣

Garcia puts us ahead 2-1 in the ninth! pic.twitter.com/nkxRcMzjiN

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 19, 2021

The only other run scored on the night was on a bases-loaded balk called against Patriots reliever Carlos Espinal in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The starting pitchers for both sides highlighted the early stages of the ballgame. Somerset starter Matt Krook tossed five scoreless innings, scattering three hits while striking out a season-high seven batters. That included a strikeout of Matt McLaughlin to strand the bases loaded in the fifth inning -- his final on the the mound.

Hartford starter Will Gaddis held the Patriots off the scoreboard across six innings. Somerset had runners in scoring position in the first and fourth innings, but did not break through.

Keegan Curtis (W, 1-0) earned the win with a scoreless eighth inning. Greg Weissert (S, 2) earned his second save of the year with a scoreless ninth inning.

The Patriots continue their six-game series against the Hartford Yard Goats Wednesday night. Right-hander Janson Junk (0-0, 1.29 ERA) takes the mound for Somerset against Yard Goats righty Frank Duncan (0-1, 6.23 ERA). First pitch from Dunkin Donuts Park Tuesday night is set for 7:05 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:__www.somersetpatriots.com_.