Four-Run Second Gains Barnstormers Series Win

Lancaster Tops Somerset, 5-2

The Lancaster Barnstormers utilized a four-run second inning and a strong pitching effort from five different hurlers to pick up a 5-2 victory over the Somerset Patriots in the rubber game of a three-game series early Thursday at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

With Lancaster down, 1-0, heading into the bottom of the second, Sean Halton led off with a double drilled past third baseman Scott Kelly and down the line.  Lastings Milledge beat out a scratch single to put runners at the corners, and Garrett Weber tied the game with a single flared into right.  Starter Rick Teasley (3-1) handled a bunt by Trayvon Robinson and attempted the force at third, but his throw arrived after the sliding Milledge.  After Vladimir Frias struck out, Tyler Clark placed a soft liner up the middle to drive home Milledge with the second run.  Darian Sandford knocked in Weber with a sacrifice fly to left, and Rico Noel got Robinson home with the fourth run on a bloop double that just eluded a diving Greg Golson along the left field line.

Noel, who had three hits overall, singled home Robinson with an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth.

Elih Villanueva (5-1) worked the first five innings for the win.  The right-hander allowed five hits, including three straight to open the second inning.  He did not walk a batter and struck out two in winning his fifth straight decision.

Somerset threatened the lead only once.  Justin Pacchioli opened the sixth inning with a single off the glove of shortstop Vladimir Frias.  Pacchioli stole second and went to third on a one-out balk.  Kevin Munson missed with his next six pitches following the balk, loading the bases, but the Patriots only scored once on a sacrifice fly to center by Tyler Bortnick, who had doubled home Somerset’s other run.

Daniel Moskos, Scott Shuman and Anthony Carter combined on three scoreless innings, yielding only a single to Jerry Sands off Shuman in the eighth.  Carter earned his ninth save of the season.

The Barnstormers open up a four-game series against York on Friday evening.  Jarret Leverett (2-0) will make the start for Lancaster against Frank Gailey (5-2).  Fireworks will follow the game.  Fans may alos tune into Blue Ridge Cable 11 beginning at 6:30.

NOTES:  The Barnstormers won a series for the eighth time in their last 11…Carter has converted eight straight save chances…Villanueva has a 2.25 ERA since his first start of the season…Shuman threw his seventh consecutive scoreless appearance…All 12 of Weber’s RBI have come in wins.