(Bridgewater, NJ., Jul. 24, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (5-7) dropped the second game against the Somerset Patriots (12-2) 4-1, a pitcher’s duel for most of the night.
Pitching was strong early for the second night in a row, as neither team could get any offense going early. Kyle Drabek started the game for Southern Maryland but was removed after a walk led off the second inning. Craig Stem (5-4) came on in relief and worked through the rest of the inning.
Stem came back to the mound for the third but struggled right away in the inning, hitting the first batter in the inning. Back-to-back fielder’s choices put Justin Pacchioli on first with two outs, with Pacchioli advancing to second on a wild pitch. Two straight walks loaded the bases in the inning, before a third straight walk to Alfredo Rodriguez brought home Pacchioli to open the scoring on the night.
Bobby Blevins (1-0) got the start for the Patriots, making his debut for the team. The right-hander went six strong innings on the night, allowing just two hits on the night. He turned his 1-0 lead over to the bullpen, looking to finish off the win for their starter.
The relievers for Somerset picked up right where the starter left off, working a pair of scoreless innings. The Patriots offense came back alive in the eighth, putting up three runs in the inning. Rodriguez singled to lead things off, moving around to third on a double from Matt Oberste. A single from Endy Chavez followed, scoring both runners to extend the lead. After a groundout and flyout put two down in the inning, a single from Mike Fransoso brought Chavez home to take a 4-0 lead.
Somerset brought their closer, Ryan Kelly, on for the ninth looking to maintain the shutout. After two quick strikeouts, Kelly allowed a single to Teodoro Martinez that extended the game. Martinez moved to second on a defensive indifference, which would set him up to score on an Angelo Songco single. The run snapped the Blue Crabs 25-inning scoreless streak, but Kelly would bounce back to get a groundout and finish the 4-1 win for Somerset.
The Blue Crabs return to action Wednesday, July 25th for a doubleheader in the five-game series against the Patriots. First pitch is scheduled for 11:05 A.M. on Wednesday 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.