(Bridgewater, NJ., Jul. 23, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (5-6) fell in the series opener against the Somerset Patriots (11-2) 6-0, with all six runs coming in the fifth inning.
Pitching had the advantage early on the night, as Paul Clemens (1-6) and Kyle Davies (4-4) battled on the mound. The Blue Crabs mustered the only threat in the first four innings of the game, getting the first two hitters aboard in the top of the second. Jon Griffin walked, before a Devon Rodriguez single moved him to scoring position. A fielder’s choice put runners on the corners with one away, before Davies got a popup and a strikeout to escape the inning.
The offense came alive in the bottom of the fifth, with Somerset putting up six runs in the inning. A single started the inning, before a fielder’s choice and another single put Nate Coronado and Matt Oberste on first and second. A double from Yovan Gonzalez would bring home Coronado, before a single from Mike Fransoso would bring home a pair as well.
A fielder’s choice put Justin Pacchioli on first, who immediately stole second which would allow him to score on a Craig Massey single. Ramon Flores followed that with a double to score Massey, before Flores would score on a single from Alfredo Rodriguez. The sixth run of the inning ended the night for Clemens, with David Wayne Russo coming on to finish the inning.
Davies continued on strong through six innings, allowing just four hits on the night. He handed the 6-0 lead over to his bullpen to go the rest of the way, and they picked up right where the starter left off. Dustin Antolin was first on in relief, working 1.2 without allowing a hit.
Chase Huchingson came on looking for the final out of the eighth. After back-to-back singles, the southpaw got a groundout to send the game to the ninth with Somerset still up six. Huchingson returned to the mound for that ninth, allowing a walk in the inning but finishing off the 6-0 shutout win for the Patriots.
The Blue Crabs return to action Tuesday, July 24th for the second matchup in the five-game series against the Patriots. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 P.M. on Tuesday at Regency Furniture Stadium.
For more information on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, or to reserve your seat today for any of the Blue Crabs upcoming home games, please visit our website at somdbluecrabs.com or call us at 301-638-9788.
About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The Blue Crabs play 126 regular season games in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The Blue Crabs play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland with affordable family fun. The franchise will begin its 11th season in April 2018. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com for more information.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.