BLUE CRABS FALL AGAIN TO LATE LONG ISLAND RALLY
Eight-Run Eighth Inning Costs Blue Crabs Against Ducks
(Central Islip, NY., Jul. 1, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (38-29) fell in the second game against the Long Island Ducks (35-34) 10-8, blowing a five-run lead in the bottom of the eighth inning.
The Blue Crabs fell behind early, as Daryl Thompson gave up a run to Long Island in the bottom of the first. Anthony Vega started the game with a single, going first to third on an Aneglo Songco single two batters later. Lew Ford hit a sacrifice fly to follow, with Vega coming across to open the scoring in the game.
Alfredo Simon was strong for the Ducks through his first two innings, before the Blue Crabs were able to scratch across a run in the top of the third. Luis Alen led-off the inning with a double, moving up to third on an Edwin Garcia single. Brian Bistagne, who was forced into action after an ejection in the first, came through with a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Garcia to tie the game 1-1.
Southern Maryland took their first lead in the top of the sixth, with the heart of the lineup putting up a pair of runs off Simon. Zach Wilson doubled to start the inning, with Michael Snyder walking behind him. After a flyball put runners on the corners with one out, Devon Rodriguez doubled down the right-field line, scoring Wilson. A wild pitch allowed Snyder to cross one batter later, giving the Blue Crabs a 3-1 lead before Simon worked out of the inning.
The Blue Crabs added four more runs in the seventh, batting around in the inning. Garcia doubled to lead off, moving to third on a wild pitch during the next at-bat. L.J. Hoes picked up an RBI double, before Snyder scored him on a single two batters later. After a double steal put runners on second and third, Rodriguez came through again, this time with a two-out, two-RBI single.
Thompson gave up a solo homerun in the seventh, before turning over what appeared to be a comfortable 7-2 lead over to his bullpen in the eighth. Rob Carson was first out of the pen, picking up one out before four straight hits allowed three runs to cross the plate. With a runner on second and one out, Carson was removed for the closer Cody Eppley. Eppley (1-3) allowed a single to the first batter, before an error at second base allowed Marc Krauss to score. An intentional walk loaded the bases, before a wild pitch allowed the tying run to cross the plate. A Dan Lyons triple promptly plated two more runs, before Lyons came across on a wild pitch as well. A double play finally ended the inning, but not before the Ducks had a 10-7 lead heading to the ninth.
Long Island sent Rob Rogers (S,2) to the mound with their newfound three-run lead in the top of the ninth. Zach Wilson started the inning with a single, advancing to second on a Rogers throwing error. Back-to-back groundouts allowed Wilson to score, but brought the Ducks to within one out of the win. Rogers allowed a walk, and a single, before a second walk loaded the bases and put the tying run in scoring position at second. Garcia couldn’t come through this time however, popping out in foul territory by first, finishing off the 10-8 loss.
Southern Maryland will maintain their one-game lead in the Freedom Division over the Lancaster Barnstormers. If the Barnstormers lose tomorrow, and the Blue Crabs win, Southern Maryland will clinch the first-half Freedom Division championship, as well as a playoff spot.
The Blue Crabs return to action Sunday, July 2nd for the series finale of three game against the Ducks. Southern Maryland will send RHP Drew Hayes (3-2, 3.88) to the mound, looking to salvage a game in the series. He will matchup with Long Island’s RHP Dennis OGrady (3-5, 4.86), for his second appearance against the Blue Crabs this season. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 P.M. on Sunday at Bethpage 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 140 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 open its 10th anniversary season on Thursday April 20, 2017. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com for more information and to reserve your seat at the ballpark today!
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 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 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 to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com
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Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 