Sugar Land, Texas–The Somerset Patriots (20-23) defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters (17-25) 4-1 in both games of the day-night doubleheader Saturday night from humid Constellation Field. The Patriots have now won four games in a row while the Skeeters have lost nine of their last 10 contests.

Game 1

The Somerset Patriots defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters 2-1 in extra innings of Game 1. The game was only scheduled for seven innings but the Patriots needed an extra frame to defeat the Skeeters for the sixth time in as many tries this season. Patriots’ starter Mike MacDonald was flawless as he tossed seven innings, scattered four hits and struck out a season-high six batters to earn his second win of the season.  

In the top of the first inning first baseman Freddy Sandoval fisted an RBI single to center field to give the Patriots an early 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth inning Skeeters second baseman Dominic Ramos hit a solo home run (3) to left field to tie the game at 1-1.

In the top of the eighth inning designated hitter Aaron Mathews hit a ball into shallow center field and shortstop Iggy Suarez back peddled but dropped the ball allowing second baseman Freddie Bynum to score the go ahead run to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Patriots.

Patriots closer Josh Rupe registered his seventh save of the season in the bottom of the eighth inning to seal the victory.

Game 2

The Patriots took the second game over the Skeeters 4-1.

In the top of the first inning first baseman Freddy Sandoval blooped an RBI single to left field to give the Patriots an early 1-0 lead.

In the top of the third inning left fielder Johnny Drennen recorded an RBI single to expand the Patriots lead to 2-0.

In the ensuing half inning second baseman Dominic Ramos hit a sacrifice fly to center field to put the Skeeters on the board making the score 2-1.

In the top of the fourth inning second baseman Freddie Bynum and third baseman Jeff Nettles each tallied RBI singles to make the score 4-1.

Houston, Texas, native Roy Merritt was fantastic for the Patriots. He pitched five innings of one-run baseball in front of a plethora of family and friends in attendance. Merritt earned his third win of the season while Skeeters starter Heath Phillips suffered his fourth loss of the 2012 campaign. Closer Josh Rupe earned his eighth save of the season pitching a scoreless ninth frame.

The 2012 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, June 14 when the Patriots return home to take on the York Revolution at TD Bank Ballpark at 7:05 p.m. The game includes a special Flag Day Celebration and Patriots Cinch Sacks (first 1,500) courtesy of Operation Shoebox New Jersey.