(Waldorf, MD., Jul. 2, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (25-35) dropped the series opener against the Somerset Patriots (33-27) 4-0.
Both pitchers were dominant early in the ballgame, as a pair of former big leaguers went toe-to-toe through three. Brett Marshall (2-1) allowed just two hits through his first three innings, but Kyle Davies (2-3) was even better for Somerset, allowing just one hit through the first three frames.
The Patriots struck first in the top of the fourth, putting up four runs in the inning. Alfredo Rodriguez got the inning started with a walk, with a line drive from Craig Massey getting through the infield to put two on with nobody out. A single from Danny Dorn loaded the bases, before Marshall got a line drive to record the first out of the inning.
A walk to Justin Pacchioli followed the first out in the inning, bringing Rodriguez across to open the scoring. Mike Fransoso followed that with a single through the right side, scoring Massey and Dorn while also moving Pacchioli around to third. A wild pitch during the next at-bat allowed Pacchioli to cross, extending the lead out to 4-0.
Davies would continue strong from there, as the right-hander dominated the Blue Crabs offense. He went 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and two walks on the night. He handed his four-run lead over to the bullpen, who picked up right where their starter left off on the night.
Chase Huchingson was first on in relief, picking up a groundball to strand an inherited runner in scoring position, and end the sixth inning. The southpaw reliever returned to the mound for the seventh, walking the leadoff man in the inning. Huchingson bounced back with a strikeout and then a double play, finishing the inning to maintain the lead.
After a scoreless eighth inning, the Patriots sent Dustin Antolin to the mound for the bottom of the ninth. After a strikeout started the inning, Frank Martinez was able to reach base on a dropped third strike. Devon Rodriguez followed that with a single, giving the Blue Crabs life with two on and one out in the inning. Antolin responded to get a pair of groundouts to finish the game with a 4-0 win.
The Blue Crabs return to action Tuesday, July 3rd for the second game in the series against the Patriots. 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.