(Waldorf, MD., Jul. 27, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (6-10) fell in the series opener against the Long Island Ducks (9-7) 5-3, with a three-run rally in the eighth serving as the determining factor.
Southern Maryland got the offense going early in the night, putting up a pair of runs in the bottom of the first. After two quick outs from Bennett Parry, an infield single from Devon Rodriguez extended the inning for Jon Griffin. The powerful DH launched a two-run homerun, his seventh of the season, putting the Blue Crabs ahead early 2-0.
Lew Ford led off the next inning with a solo homerun, getting back one run for the Ducks. Both pitchers settled in nicely from there, as Craig Stem and Parry traded scoreless innings. Neither pitcher budged over the next four innings. Stem was lifted after six strong innings, earning a quality start and handing the one-run lead over to his bullpen.
After a scoreless top of the seventh, Parry worked himself into a jam in the bottom half of the inning. Angelys Nina led off with a single, moving up to scoring position on a sacrifice bunt from Craig Maddox. Following the bunt, Kalaika Kahoohalahala picked up his first RBI of the season, a single to left field that brought home Nina to move the lead to 3-1.
The Ducks weren’t done on the night yet, as they rallied to take the lead with three in the eighth. Back-to-back walks started the inning, with a sacrifice bunt moving Daniel Fields and Anthony Vega both into scoring position. Emilio Bonifacio then tripled to right field, bringing home both runners to tie the game. A sacrifice fly from Travis Snider ensued, scoring Bonifacio from third to put Long Island ahead for the first time in the game.
After three straight singled added another to their lead in the ninth, the Ducks turned the 5-3 advantage over to closer Francisco Rodriguez (S,16). Rodriguez allowed a leadoff single to Nina, but a double play immediately cleared the bases. A groundout followed, ending the 5-3 win in favor of the Ducks.
The Blue Crabs return to action Saturday, July 28th for the second game in the series against the Ducks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Saturday night 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.