Somerset Patriots Dominate SeaDogs to Inch Closer in Standings

The Somerset Patriots remain red hot on the road. Somerset dominated the Portland Seadogs 12-0 on Wednesday night to close the gap between the two rivals to 3.5 games. Somerset needs to overtake the Seadogs in the standings if they wish to make the postseason.

Leading the way for Somerset was center fielder Grand Richardson who put together a three-hit performance, including cracking a three-run homer in the ninth inning to cap off the victory. Richardson wasn't alone, as Cole Gabrielson had a coming-out party in his fifth game with Somerset.

The 24-year-old Gabrielson went 2-for-4 with four RBI. In fact, his three-run double in the opening frame got the ball rolling for the Patriots.

Bailey Dees Dominates

On the bump for the Patriots, Bailey Dees dominated. Dees set a career-high with 10 strikeouts over 5.1 innings of one-hit ball. It was the fourth time this year that the right-hander has struck out 9+ batters in an outing for Somerset. In fact he leads the entire Eastern League in strikeouts with 126.

One interesting fact is that Dees owns the SeaDogs. In three starts against Portland, Dees has a 2.11 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. Overall he is 5-7 with a 4.64 ERA in 24 games.

How Hot Are Patriots?

How hot have the Patriots been lately? Well, Somerset is 6-1 on this northeast road trip. They took four of five from Hartford before the final game was canceled due to heavy rains, and they are 2-0 against Portland so far in this series.

Time is a waste for Somerset, and they need not only series victories, they need to stack up wins. Somerset is 3.5 out of a potential playoff spot. With four games left in this series, the Patriots need every win they can get against the Portland SeaDogs.

Somerset is 7-7 against Portland so far this season. Winning the tie-breaker is a must at this point in the season.

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