After looking at a strong start from Elvin Rodriguez, Erie had to pull their starter in the third inning when things got out of hand. Rodriguez loaded the bases to open the inning and hit a batter to give Somerset the first run of the game. Oswaldo Cabrera delivered the gut punch with a long grand slam to right field, making it 5-0. Somerset scored one more run in the inning, and Rodriguez was pulled.
Somerset tagged reliever Brad Bass for a trio of runs in the following inning on three hits and an error, and Billy Lescher was able to mop up what was left of the game with two scoreless innings, only allowing one hit.
Offensively, Erie started slow against JP Sears. The ‘Wolves only managed two hits over the first four innings, and could only get one runner into scoring position. They finally broke through for a pair of runs in the fifth inning against Sears when John Valente knocked his third home run of the year, a solo shot. Brady Policelli later doubled in the inning, and Riley Greene drove him in with a single to center field.
Elvis Peguero took over for Somerset in the fifth inning, keeping Erie from adding any runs to earn the win.
GAME TWO
Spencer Torkelson gave Erie the lead before Somerset had a chance to bat. Torkelson crushed a home run to left field in the opening frame to score a pair of runs, his seventh home run with Erie.
Erie plated two more runs in the second inning against Hayden Wesneski when Riley Greene doubled with two outs to double the SeaWolves lead. Wesneski would settle for Somerset and finish five innings on the mound, while Michael Gomez would add in a scoreless inning of relief.
Jesus Rodrgiuez got the start in game two and was only tagged for a solo home run by Dermis Garcia in the second inning. Rodriguez would only allow three hits and three walks in the start while striking out five. As Erie was preparing to make a pitching change in the middle of the sixth inning, rain began to fall in Bridgewater, forcing the game to be called early.
Erie and Somerset continue their series on Saturday. A.J. Ladwig will get the start for Erie, with the first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. Erie returns to UPMC Park on July 13 when Bowie visits for six games.