September 13th was a big day for the Somerset Patriots when it came to media as Tyler Hardman and Jasson Dominguez got called up from Hudson Valley Renegades. Also, the rehab assignments for Aroldis Chapman, Harrison Bader and Stephen Ridings started that day and they all spoke to the media before the game. A lot of media outlets were in attendance yesterday like Randy Miller who works with the Yankees, Ken Rosenthal from Fox Sports, Jersey Sporting News, Julian Guilarte, Greg Johnson, Mike Ashmore and others from the Somerset Patriots.
Yoendrys Gomez started for the Patriots and didn't have his command from the beginning. He only went 3 2/3 innings and allowed eight hits, five runs, two walks and four strikeouts to bring his season era to 4.50. Six pitchers came in after him but the most important was Aroldis Chapman's outing. He looked impressive as he hit 100 miles per hour a few times, located his pitches well and finished with two strikeouts and 1 walk in the game. This was the first big step for Chapman as he continues to make his return back to the Bronx soon.
The Somerset Patriots' offense was great even though they lost 10-9 to the Portland Seadogs. First baseman Andres Chaparro had a big game, as he hit two home runs and had four rbis to increase his season total of 19 home runs. He has been tearing it up lately with the long ball and has been a consistent hitter in the second half. Jasson Dominguez's debut didn't go too well but scored a run. Harrison Bader also scored a run, while Trey Sweeney had two hits, Elijah Dunham drove in a run and Brandon Lockridge homered.
Somerset Patriots are sitting in a great position at 81-50 as they continue to get ready for the playoffs. These games are important because momentum is key when heading into the playoffs and being fresh. The pitching needs to get a little better, but the offense has been consistent lately for them.
Jersey Sporting News did a pregame interview with Yankees outfielder Harrison Bader who is on his rehab assignment with the Patriots. He talked about eventually playing in front of his family and friends and what does it mean to be a New York Yankee.
"Listen it means a lot, no doubt about it," Bader said about being a Yankee. "I am not going to hide the fact that I was born and raised in New York, grew up a Yankees fan. Nice aspect of what we have going on here but listen there is a job to do every single day. This really isn't an emotional, it's a physical game, about preparation, taking the emotion out of it. So as happy I am, not going to sugar coat it, absolutely thrilled, but doesn't take away from on what we got going on. Winning games, which this team has done an incredible job of all year. Looking forward to adding to the winning culture and mentality, hopefully make some history here in 2022 October".
He also discussed about what he learned in St. Louis and what he will bring to New York
"Learned how to win," Bader said about his time in St. Louis. "In my tenure in St. Louis, we didn't necessarily have a championship to speak of, but we did have a lot of playoff appearances. Won a division title. A lot of winning that went on, a lot of players I learned from in St. Louis you learn man. Win multiple ways and that's what it takes to win, finding ways to adjust and pivot is tremendously important."
Look For the Somerset Patriots to Bounce Back.
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