Max Green started a bullpen day for the pitching staff, his first start since he pitched in high school. Green pitched serviceably in the role, with three scoreless innings and only two hits allowed.
Somerset scraped the winning run of the game across in the fourth inning behind key base running. Diego Castillo drew a walk to start the frame and advanced to second base on a single. Michael Beltre grounded back to Mark Leiter Jr. on the mound, and Leiter tossed the ball to the shortstop in an attempt to earn a double play. The turn to first base was late, and Castillo never stopped charging around third base, sliding safely into home before the throw from first came in. Leiter was still able to work three innings for Erie, keeping Somerset at just one run.
Yaya Chentouf continued his strong Double-A start, tossing two scoreless innings and striking out two batters. Gerson Moreno got tagged with a leadoff home run in the ninth inning by Michael Beltre, solidifying the loss.
Janson Junk pieced together his best start of the season for Somerset, tossing six scoreless innings and striking out nine batters for a new career high. Erie collected two base hits in the third inning, but a double play kept them from reaching scoring position. The ‘Wolves got two runners on base in the sixth inning with only one out, but Junk escaped the jam.
Erie found more chances against the Somerset bullpen, loading the bases in the seventh inning on just one hit, but Kevin Gadea stranded the trio with three strikeouts in the inning. Ron Marrinacio and Greg Weissert each pitched scoreless frames to finish the afternoon.
Erie turns their attention to the Altoona Curve, who come to UPMC Park on Tuesday to open a six game series. First pitch of the first game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.