(Waldorf, MD., May 9, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (2-9) dropped the series finale against the York Revolution (7-5) 3-2.
Pitching had the upper hand early, as both starters traded scoreless innings. The Revolution put a man in scoring position three times in the first five innings, but Casey Delgado was able to pitch around it and strand the runners. The Blue Crabs first threat came in the third inning, when Teodoro Martinez reached on a bunt single, advancing to second on a throwing error from the pitcher Mitch Atkins. Atkins bounced back to retire the next two batters at leave the runner in scoring position.
The pitcher’s duel continued on through five innings, as the scoreless game headed to the top of the sixth. A single from Travis Witherspoon started the inning, with a walk moving him into scoring position. An infield single from Zach Wilson loaded the bases with nobody out in the inning. Delgado forced a popup for the first out in the inning, before he was lifted from the game in favor of Sam Runion. The reliever got a flyout from Welington Dotel, but the ball was deep enough to allow Witherspoon to cross the plate for the opening run in the game. Runion followed with a strikeout, stranding a pair of runners.
Atkins continued to dominate, tossing six scoreless innings before handing his 1-0 run over to the bullpen in the bottom of the seventh. Joey Wong started that inning with a walk, moving up to second on a wild pitch. After back-to-back strikeouts, Frank Martinez came up with a single to left field, scoring Wong to tie the game.
The Revolution offense responded immediately, retaking the lead with a pair of runs in the eighth. A single from Alexi Casilla led off the inning, followed by a walk to Zach Wilson. After a strikeout, Dotel found the right-center field gap, sending one all the way to the wall for a two-RBI triple.
The Blue Crabs offense bounced back with one of their own in the bottom of the eighth, cutting the deficit in half. Cory Vaughn started it off with a double, before Austin Green drew a walk behind him. Martinez followed with a sacrifice bunt, moving both runners into scoring position. A groundball to shortstop from Garcia allowed Vaughn to score, before another groundout stranded the tying run at third.
After a scoreless top of the ninth, Junior Rincon (S,1) came on for York to finish the game. The closer worked a 1-2-3 inning, shutting the door with a strike out to end the 3-2 Revolution victory.
The Blue Crabs return to action Friday, May 11th for the opener of the three-game home series against the Revolution. First pitch is scheduled for 10:35 A.M. on Wednesday 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.