(Lancaster, PA., Jun. 1, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (10-20) dropped the series opener against the Lancaster Barnstormers (22-9) 4-2, coming up just short in the ninth inning for the second straight game.
The Barnstormers jumped out to an early lead, opening the scoring in the bottom of the first. Darian Sandford walked to start the inning, stealing second during the following at-bat. Sandford moved himself up to third with another stolen base, giving him 20 on the young season. Blake Gailen cashed in the speedy leadoff man, bringing him across on a sacrifice fly to left field.
The Blue Crabs took an inning to respond, evening the game up in the top of the third. Cory Vaughn led off the inning with a walk, before Joe Gardner forced a flyball for out number one. Vaughn moved around to third on a single from Austin Green, before scoring on an RBI groundout from Johnny Bladel.
Southern Maryland took their first lead in the game in the fourth, putting up another run in the inning. A walk started the frame again, this time putting Teodoro Martinez aboard. Martinez was able to advance to second on a flyball from Angelo Songco, getting in scoring position with one out. Frank Martinez came through with a single, scoring Martinez from second to grab a 2-1 lead.
Paul Clemens settled in after the first inning on the mound for the Blue Crabs, allowing just two hits over the next three innings. The speed of the Barnstormers got to the started again in the fifth though, as Lancaster tied the game in the inning. After a flyout started the inning, Rico Noel reached when he was hit by a pitch from Clemens. Noel immediately swiped second to move into scoring position, allowing him to score on a single from Sandford to even the score.
Both starters worked a scoreless sixth inning, before the teams turned the game over to the bullpens. After remaining tied through seven, the Barnstormers retook the lead in the bottom of the eighth. After two quick outs, Joey Terdoslavich extended the inning with a single. Ryan Casteel was hit by a pitch, before Trayvon Robinson followed with a double to score both runners.
Matt Reynolds (S,8) was handed the newfound lead, looking to notch the save in the series opener. The southpaw allowed a one-out double to Frank Martinez, with a groundout advancing him to third. A walk to Vaughn extended the inning for Dave Sappelt, who crushed what looked to be a go-ahead homerun that hooked just foul. After battling for seven pitches, Reynolds finally forced a flyout on the eighth pitch of the at-bat, retiring Sappelt to hold on to the 4-2 win.
The Blue Crabs return to action Saturday, June 2nd for a doubleheader against the Barnstormers. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. on Saturday at Clipper Magazine 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.