DOYLE DAZZLES AS BARNSTORMERS SPLIT SERIES

Right-Hander Fires Gem in 5-0 Lancaster Win

Terry Doyle was so good on Sunday evening that even a sudden change in batterymates did not disrupt his rhythm.

The right-hander fired a one-hitter for eight innings, pitching the Lancaster Barnstormers to a 5-0 victory over the Somerset Patriots in the finale of a four-game series.

With the win, the Barnstormers head into the All-Star Break with a 3-3 record, standing in second place in the Freedom Division.

Doyle (3-4) retired the first 14 batters he faced before yielding a walk to Rob Kral on a full count pitch. He got the next six, but designated hitter Bryan LaHair scooted a 2-0 pitch up the middle for a single with two outs in the seventh to end the no-hit bid.

In the fourth inning, after Doyle has retired Mycal Jones and Eric Farris on ground balls, he served a first pitch strike on a curveball to David Vidal. Vidal and Lancaster catcher Charlie Cutler appeared to exchange words at home plate, and both were ejected by plate umpire Freddy DeJesus.

Benches emptied, but veterans Mike Jacobs and LaHair held back their respective ballclubs from exacerbating the situation.

The game was delayed for several moments as Mike McDade came in from first base to don the catching gear, and Justin Jackson was summoned from the bullpen to take over at short as the Barnstormers reshuffled the defense.

Overall, Doyle threw 94 pitches in eight innings. He struck out seven before Scott Gracey took over in the ninth. Gracey walked Mycal Jones with one out before picking up the final two outs to end the game.

McDade slugged a two-run homer in the second off Bryce Morrow (2-1), and Jacobs added a solo blast in the third for a 3-0 lead. Blake Gailen scored on a wild pitch after doubling in the fourth inning and drove in Lancaster’s final run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

The 2016 Atlantic League All-Star Game and Farm Show is slated for Wednesday at 7:00. Gates will open at Clipper Magazine Stadium at 5:00 with the Home Run Derby scheduled for 5:30.

NOTES: It was Doyle’s first win since June 1, despite a 3.03 ERA in the five starts since then…It was his eighth straight start with six or more innings…Sean Halton was 2-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to 12 games…His second hit was a double that got lost in the sun by left fielder Brian Van Kirk…Is was his 12th extra base hit in his last 15 games…Jackson singled his first at bat to extend a hitting streak to five…Gailen has also hit safely in five straight.