(Waldorf, MD., Jun. 6, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (13-23) took the series finale against the Road Warriors (9-28) 2-0, finishing off their third series sweep of the season.
Pitching had the upper hand early, as Paul Clemens (1-1) and Kelvin Villa (0-4) both shut down the offense early on the night. After three straight scoreless innings started the night, Southern Maryland broke through with a run in the bottom of the fourth. Teodoro Martinez reached on a single, moving up to scoring position by swiping his team-high sixth base of the season. After a flyout picked up the second out of the inning for Villa, Angelo Songco came through with a two-out single to score Martinez from second for the first run of the game.
Frank Martinez led off the fifth inning with his second homerun of the series, extending the lead out to 2-0. Clemens continued strong on the mound for the Blue Crabs, maintaining the two-run lead. The starter worked into the sixth inning, before being forced to exit due to injury after tossing 5.1 scoreless innings. He exited the game in position to earn his first win of the season, leaving it up to his bullpen to finish the night.
Craig Stem came on first in relief, being rushed into action after the injury to Clemens. Stem inherited a 3-1 count and walked the first batter he faced, before a single put two on with one out in the inning. Stem recovered with a groundout and a flyout to get out of the inning and maintain the two-run advantage.
After a scoreless eighth inning, closer Cody Eppley (S,3) came on for the ninth looking to finish off the sweep. Eppley struck out the first two batters he faced, before getting a flyout to center for the final out of the night. The save was Eppley’s third of the season for the Blue Crabs since being activated from the disabled list.
The Blue Crabs return to action Friday, June 8th for the series opener against the Sugar Land Skeeters. 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.