(Bridgewater, NJ., Jul. 25, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (6-7) took game one of a doubleheader against the Somerset Patriots (12-3) 3-2, a 10-inning game that was originally scheduled as a seven-inning matchup.

Pitching dominated the first two games in the series, and that didn’t change in this game. Both teams put runners in scoring position in the second inning, but neither offense could come up with a two-out hit to cash in. The first run came in the top of the fourth when Jon Griffin launched his sixth homerun of the season, putting Southern Maryland ahead 1-0.

David Wayne Russo got the start for the Blue Crabs, allowing three hits through the first three innings before finding some trouble in the fourth. Nate Coronado led off the inning with a single, stealing second and then advancing to third on a wild pitch. A walk to Mike Blanke put runners on the corners, before Coronado was thrown out trying to score from third on a fielder’s choice from Mike Fransoso.

The threat didn’t end there, as the Patriots continued to fight trying to even the game. A two-out single from Justin Pacchioli loaded the bases for Scott Kelly. Russo bounced back nicely to get a groundout from Kelly to end the inning, escaping the jam to maintain the one-run lead.

Both bullpens came on in the fifth and traded two straight scoreless innings to head to the seventh. Frank Martinez doubled to start the frame, moving up to third on a groundout to second from Angelo Songco. Cory Vaughn followed that with a sacrifice fly, adding an insurance run to the lead.

Southern Maryland sent their closer Cody Eppley to the mound for bottom half of the inning. Somerset wasn’t done yet, as Pacchioli reached on an error to start the inning. He immediately stole second, moving up to third on an overthrow down to second on the stolen base attempt.

After a line drive to shortstop got the first out, Alfonso Reda singled down the first base line to bring home Pacchioli and cut the lead to one run. A single from Craig Massey put the winning run on first and moved Reda to second as the tying run. After a flyout brought the game within an out from ending, a single from Coronado from home Reda to tie the game. Eppley then forced a line drive to first, which was snagged by a diving Songco to send the game to extra innings.

The Patriots threatened immediately in extras, loading the bases in the bottom of the eighth. Two quick outs started the inning, before back-to-back walks and a hit-by-pitch brought Massey to the plate with a chance for a walk-off. Massey worked the count to 2-2, before Shane Watson (4-0) forced a flyball to left and stranded all three runners to send the game further.

After a scoreless ninth, the Blue Crabs retook the lead with a run in the top of the tenth. Two flyball outs began things, with a Ryan Strausborger single extending the inning further. A walk to Angelys Nina brought up Teodoro Martinez, who flared a single in to shallow center and brought home Strausborger to retake the lead.

Jason Creasy (S,1) came on for the bottom of the tenth, for his first save opportunity of the season. The right-hander worked an easy 1-2-3 inning, finishing off the extra-inning affair for game on of the doubleheader.

The Blue Crabs return to action tonight Wednesday, July 25th for game two of the doubleheader against the Patriots. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 P.M. on Wednesday night at TD Bank Ballpark.

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.