(Bridgewater, N.J., May 4, 2016) - The Somerset Patriots are off to a record-breaking start to the 2016 season, winning their first 13 games and currently perfect at 13-0. The hot start ties a Major League record shared by the 1982 Atlanta Braves and the 1987 Milwaukee Brewers.
“Obviously there is only one major league, but this is an impressive streak of its own. We use the comparison simply to put in perspective how exciting of a start our team has had. Our guys are big leaguers in our minds and those of our fans,” said Somerset Patriots Chairman Steve Kalafer.
Three straight sweeps of the Long Island Ducks, York Revolution and Lancaster Barnstormers got Somerset off to the best start in Atlantic League history, surpassing the Revolution’s 7-0 mark in 2011. Somerset then took the first two games against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs to extend the record.
During the first 13 games of the season, nine wins have come at home, four on the road and six have come from behind.
The Patriots’ offense has featured nine home runs by seven different players, with outfielders Aharon Eggleston and Trayvon Robinson leading the way with two each. Eggleston also has a .361 batting average with 13 hits, four doubles, and six RBI. Infielder Eric Farris leads the team with nine RBI.
Infielder Scott Kelly has picked up right where he left off in 2015, hitting .372 with 16 hits, two doubles, four RBI and seven stolen bases.
“This team doesn’t want to quit. They want to keep going after it and get the job done. Like we’ve said all season, they pass it along to the next guy or do whatever they have to in order to get the win,” said manager Brett Jodie.
Somerset’s explosive offense isn’t the only story, as the Patriots pitching ranks as the league’s best with a 2.27 ERA, anchored by a bullpen that boasts a 1.69 ERA in 53.2 innings pitched. Newcomer Efrain Nieves is 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA in five games. Three relievers (Gus Schlosser, Mike Thomas, and Connor Little) are tied with Nieves for the team high 2-0 record.
“The confidence that our hitters, as well as the defense, gives the pitchers makes our job a little easier to go out and concentrate. We know we can take it pitch by pitch, batter by batter, and it’s amazing how the offense can turn it on like a switch,” Nieves said.
Starter Scott McGregor is 1-0 with a 0.77 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 11.2 innings pitched in two games. Jeremy Horst is also 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 11.1 innings pitched in two starts.
The Atlantic League record for most consecutive wins is also held by the Somerset Patriots, who reached 15-straight in June of 2000.
The 2016 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford continues at home against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs through Thursday, May 5th. For more information about the 2106 season or to purchase tickets, please visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 34 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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