Nine days after the remnants of Hurricane Ida flooded TD Bank Ballpark, the Somerset Patriots returned home.

The Patriots, which were on the road in Maryland when Ida hit, were forced to move the first three games of their series against the Hartford Yard Goats to Dunkin’ Donuts Park this week as the grounds crew worked to get TD Bank Ballpark back in playable shape. 

On Friday night, Somerset was able to return to its home ballpark to play the final three games of the series against Hartford. 

“I can’t tell you how proud and appreciative I am of our tireless staff that worked to get our home ready again after the flooding hit this area so hard,” Patriots Co-Chairman Jonathan Kalafer said in a press release. “Opening the ballpark after everything we’ve all been through is a tribute to the resilience of this great community that we serve. This game is for them and hopefully will serve as a reminder that together, we can accomplish anything.”

The flooding from Ida completely covered the field at TD Bank Ballpark and the surrounding parking lots, and the flood waters rose to the first four rows of seats in the stands. Patriots players who parked at the stadium for the road trip to Maryland lost their cars and personal belongings. 

“It is truly remarkable to see where we were just days ago and where we are now,” Co-Chairman Josh Kalafer said in a release. “We are grateful that we will be able to get back to welcoming the community to the ballpark and hopefully bringing that joy back to those who need it during these difficult times.”

The Patriots celebrated their return to the stadium with a 6-5, 12-inning victory over the Yard Goats on Friday night. With the game tied 5-5 and runners on first and second with one out, Michael Beltre hit a walk-off double to give Somerset its fifth-straight win. 

Email: lknego@gannettnj.com; on Twitter: @laurenknego

Lauren Knego covers scholastic sports for the Courier News and Home News Tribune. For unlimited access to local high school sports, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.