(Waldorf, MD., May 24, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (8-17) lost the series opener against the New Britain Bees (9-16) 3-2, a well-pitched game on both sides.
Pitching had the upper hand early on the night, as Paul Clemens (0-1) and Zach Stewart (1-3) went toe-to-toe. Both starters had the strikeout pitch working early, as they each finished the first inning with back-to-back strikeouts. The pitchers continued to trade scoreless innings, taking a scoreless ballgame through the first third of night.
The Blue Crabs finally broke through in the bottom of the fourth, taking the lead with a run. Stewart recorded two quick outs, before a single from Angelo Songco extended the inning. Devon Rodriguez followed with a single of his own, moving Songco up to scoring position. Cory Vaughn came through with a third straight single, scoring Songco from second to grab a 1-0 lead.
New Britain’s offense responded immediately, taking the lead in the top of the fifth with a pair of runs. After Clemens picked up two quick outs, Ozney Guillen got his team on the board with his first homerun of the season. A walk to James Skelton followed, with a stolen base moving him to scoring position. Another walk ended the night for Clemens, who gave way to Joey Wagman with two on and two out. Wagman allowed a single to Deibinson Romero to score Skelton, putting New Britain ahead 2-1.
The Bees padded their lead in the seventh inning through a RBI single from Romero. Darren Ford led off with a single to continue his incredible series. Ford stole second, his second stolen base of the game, moving up into scoring position. Romero followed with another RBI hit to take a two-run lead.
The Blue Crabs looked to rally back in the bottom of the eighth, stringing together some hits in the inning. Back-to-back singles from Johnny Bladel and Edwin Garcia brought the go-ahead run to the plate. After a strikeout, Teodoro Martinez picked up a single to score Bladel, cutting the deficit to one. Songco singled next, but Garcia was cut down at the plate on a strong throw from Guillen, with a flyout following to finish the frame.
Tyler Higgins (S,2) came on for the ninth, looking to lock down the series win for the Bees. The closer allowed a one-out single to Jose Gonzalez, and brought the winning run to the plate for Southern Maryland. A fielder’s choice and a strikeout finished off the inning, giving New Britain a 3-2 win, and a three games to one win in the series.
The Blue Crabs return to action Friday, May 24th as they welcome the division-leading Lancaster Barnstormers to town. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Friday 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.