With the regular season slowing down, the Somerset Patriots are looking ahead towards the Eastern League playoffs. September is here, and now the Northeast Division teams are racing to secure their spots in the postseason. With just one spot remaining in the matchup against the Hartford Yard Goats, every single game matters as the Patriots fight for their chance to compete for an Eastern League championship.
The Patriots are currently leading the Eastern League Northeast Division with a record of 69-59. They sit four wins ahead of Portland Sea Dogs, and have eight games remaining in their regular season. After winning 10 of their last 15 games, they enter the final stretch of the season playing their best baseball at the most important time.
Leading the team offensively and in runs is currently Coby Morales. In only his second season with the Patriots, Morales has put up 80 runs, 21 home runs, and 21 stolen bases. Similarly, DJ Gladney, a 23-year-old outfielder from Lansing, Illinois has stepped it up this year. He currently leads the team with 23 home runs, and has additionally recorded 69 runs and 19 stolen bases. Jace Avina has also had an incredibly productive season so far, with 77 runs, 20 home runs, and 15 stolen bases.
On the other side of things, you can’t forget to give credit to the pitchers. Cade Smith, Xavier Rivas, and Trent Sellers have all delivered incredible performances, which have been key factors in the team’s success. Statistically, Sellers has recorded a 4.30 ERA and 100 strikeouts, Smith has posted a 5.01 ERA and 109 strikeouts, and Rivas has been especially effective, with a 3.65 ERA and 114 strikeouts. Together, they have pitched approximately 311 innings.
With only a half of a series left to go against Erie and a full series against the Hartford Yard Goats, it truly is crunch time. The upcoming matchup against the Yard Goats could prove to be especially significant as the Patriots push to meet them again in the Northeast Division 3-game championship. With the race to the postseason nearing the end, the Patriots must continue to finish strong if they want to ensure a season beyond September 15.
The postseason is within reach, but the work is not yet done. With eight more games to go, the Patriots must continue to prove why they’re worthy of a spot in the playoffs. They look to hold onto this momentum and keep their championship dreams alive.
