NEWARK, NJ – September 22, 2007 – The Somerset Patriots defeated the Newark Bears 8-1 at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Saturday night to tie the Atlantic League Championship Series at one game apiece.

The Patriots broke the game open in the sixth inning, sending nine men to the plate and scoring four runs.  Third baseman Brandon Larson broke a 1-1 tie with a two run home run to left field.  Catcher Jason Belcher and right-fielder Elliot Ayala each had RBI singles with the bases loaded. 

In the seventh inning, designated hitter Josh Pressley drilled a three run home run to right field to put Somerset up 8-1.  It was Pressley’s second home run of the postseason.

The Bears took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning on a solo home run to right-centerfield by second baseman Javier Colina.  Colina finished the game 2-for-3 with a walk.  The Patriots tied the game in the fifth on a run-scoring single by Ayala.

Patriots’ left-hander Brian Adams (1-0), starting on three days rest, went seven innings and allowed one run on five hits with four strikeouts.  Bears’ starter Dusty Bergman (0-1) took the loss.  In five and two-third innings, he surrendered five runs, three earned, on nine hits and two walks, striking out four.

The remainder of the best-of-five series will shift to Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium.  Game Three on Sunday night at 7:05 PM will see Bears’ right-hander Harold Eckert take on Patriots righty Brandon Knight.  Game Four will be played at the Den on Monday night at 7:05 PM and, if necessary, Game Five would be at 7:05 PM on Tuesday night.  


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Ed Clinton

Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club

www.newarkbears.com

973-848-1000 ext. 107