Somerset Patriots Drop Another One to Portland Seadogs

Baseball, Other Sports, Professional, Somerset Patriots

September 18, 2022

The Somerset Patriots fell to 82-53 on the season after losing to the Portland Seadogs 8-2 Saturday with decent pitching and limited offense. They weren't able to get anything going against the Seadogs pitching. More importantly, it was Stephen Ridings' scheduled rehab outing for the Yankees with the Somerset Patriots. He looked fantastic in his return which is a great sign for the team and fans. Speaking of fans, the attendance was awesome again with over seven thousand on fireworks night.

Yankees 8th ranked prospect pitcher Will Warren started the game yesterday for Somerset and picked up the loss. He went 5 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits, six runs, 0 walks, 8 strikeouts and one home run to bring his season ERA to 4.21. Warren struggled in the beginning of game but found his stuff in the third inning. In the sixth inning, he gave up two more runs before manager Dan Fiorito decided to take him out.

The Somerset Patriots offense took a step back on Saturday as they only scored two runs from Austin Wells and Tyler Hardman. They only got four hits in the game and were inconsistent. One positive about the game was that Somerset was able to work the count, as they drew five walks against the Seadogs. Yankees top outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez had two walks, while outfielder Harrison Bader, shortstop prospect Trey Sweeney and right fielder Jeisson Rosario each drew one walk.

Yankees reliever Stephen Ridings looked great Saturday in his rehab outing for Somerset Patriots. He pitched one inning, allowing only one hit and striking out two on only 13 pitches. Ridings hit 98 miles per hour at one point which was another good sign as he continued to make progress. His stuff looked back against the Sea Dogs but will need a few more outings before he comes back to New York either this season or next.

After his outing, in the seventh inning Jersey Sporting News and other reporters did an interview with Stephen Ridings talking about the rehab outing.

"I went out there trying to get guys out compete," Ridings said about his rehab outing. "I think I did that. Get away with a little more down here in double A with those high fastballs, overall felt good."

Stephen Ridings discussed about what it was like facing live hitters again and being back.

"Exciting," Ridings said. "It has been probably like 13 months since my last game appearance. Regardless how it went, just good to be back out there."