BRIDGEWATER, N. J. (BVM) – On Sunday evening, July 25, the Somerset Patriots (43-28) defeated the Altoona Curve (38-31) 7-0 at TD Bank Ballpark. After losing the previous day by a margin of 7-1, Somerset recovered and gave themselves some much-needed momentum for their next series.

The Patriots were able to get on the board first at the bottom of the second inning when infielder Dermis Garcia drove a deep shot into left field for his 17th home run of the season. Garcia received a promotion to Double-A Somerset to start the 2021 season and started 1-for-24 with 16 strikeouts in his first seven games to start the season. Despite the ​​dreadful start of his season, Garcia has bounced back in a significant way, quickly becoming an offensive force for the surging Patriots.

In the third inning, the Curve gave up a bases-loaded walk to Patriots catcher Jason Lopez bringing in another run. In the seventh inning, shortstop Jesus Bastidas made some noise with his 1st solo home run of the season as a Patriot. He followed that off the next inning with a two-run single, finishing the night with a spectacular 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBIs. Center fielder Brandon Lockridge’s RBI single and 2nd baseman Oswaldo Cabrera’s RBI groundout capped the 7-0 victory for Somerset in the shutout win.

With 5.2 scoreless innings and six strikeouts, Luis Medina claimed the win. Curve Pitcher Travis MacGregor took the loss after allowing an earned run on two hits in only two innings pitched. Patriots Pitcher Ron Marinaccio earned his 3rd save of the year, pitching two innings in relief.  This season, the Patriots’ whole pitching staff has been among the best in the minor leagues. At the season’s midway point, the team has the lowest ERA (2.90) and is second in WHIP and batting average against all full-season minor league affiliates.

Although the Patriots remain only three games back from first place in the Double-A Northeast Division, the team has struggled lately, posting a 4-6 record in their last 10 games. On July 13, the team was sitting in first place in the Northeast League with a record of 38-21, which was good for the best record in all of Double-A. Since then, the team has won only five games, including Sunday’s shutout against the Curve. Going on the road will be a challenge for Somerset, who has struggled more in away games this season. 

The Patriots have earned a 23-12 record at home this season, whilst their away record is a more modest 20-16.  From Tuesday, July 27 to Sunday, August 1, the Patriots will travel to Reading, Pennsylvania, to face the Fightin Phils.