(Waldorf, MD., May 21, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (7-15) lost the series opener against the New Britain Bees (7-15) 2-1, a tightly-contested pitcher’s duel throughout.
The Bees wasted no time grabbing an early lead, scoring a run in the top of the first. A popup started the night, before a double from Deibinson Romero put the first runner of base for the Bees. Reid Brignac followed with a double of his own, easily scoring Romero to grab the lead. Jason Rogers followed with a single, putting runners on the corners with still just one down in the inning. Daryl Thompson (2-2) recovered nicely, getting back-to-back popups to retire the side and strand a pair of runners in the inning.
After a scoreless second inning, the Bees added another in the third on a solo homerun from Romero. The homerun was Romero’s third of the season, and gave Rainy Lara (1-2) a 2-0 lead to work with. The Blue Crabs looked to respond in the bottom of the third, loading the bases in the inning. A one-out single from Angelys Nina got the offense started, moving to scoring position on a walk. Teodoro Martinez then drew a walk as well, loading the bases with two outs for the cleanup hitter Angelo Songco. Songco fought in the at-bat, before Lara won won the battle and forced a flyout to strand all three runners.
Lara and Thompson continued to battle back and forth, with both trading scoreless innings.
The Bees starter allowed a leadoff single in the sixth, before picking up two straight outs. He was then lifted for left-hander Jim Fuller, setting up a lefty-lefty matchup with Devon Rodriguez to end the inning. On the other side, Thompson settled in nicely, retiring the final seven batters he faced. The right-hander allowed just the two early runs in seven innings of work, striking out eight and allowing no walks.
The Blue Crabs looked to fight back late and get their starter off the hook for his second straight loss. Martinez stayed hot in the bottom of the eighth, picking up a solo homerun to cut the deficit to just one run. Tyler Higgins (S,1) came on for the Bees in the ninth, looking to shut the door on the opener. The right-hander, in his first save opportunity of the season, worked a flawless ninth. The 1-2-3 inning finished off the 2-1 win for the Bees, and sent the Blue Crabs losing streak to four games.
The Blue Crabs return to action Tuesday, May 22nd for second game of a four-game home series against the New Britain Bees. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 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.