07/06/2018 1:53 PM -
(Waldorf, Md., Jul. 6, 2018) – Looking to turn around a rocky start, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs added five new players to the 2018 roster in the month of June. The five acquisitions on the month were Jon Griffin, Francisco Rosario, David Lyon, Craig Maddox, and Brett Marshall. These additions changed the tides of a team that entered the month of June eight games under .500, and lead the team to a 15-14 record in the month of June.
Infielder Jon Griffin became the first of five June additions to the Blue Crabs roster when he was acquired by on June 8th. Griffin provided a much-needed power surge to the Blue Crabs lineup from the day he was inserted into the lineup. Griffin’s electric power has amazed Blue Crabs fans day in and day out, giving Southern Maryland a bat that has the threat to changing a game every time he comes up to the plate. Griffin launched 5 homeruns and knocked in 10 RBI’s in just 17 games in the month of June.
The next addition to the Blue Crabs roster was infielder Francisco Rosario, who signed with the team on June 12th. Rosario earned his team’s trust just 5 days after being signed when he made a game saving play at shortstop, and followed the web gem with a walk-off hit later in the game. Despite a short sample size, Rosario has undeniably worked himself in to the conversation of being the Blue Crabs’ most talented player defensively, wooing Regency Furniture stadium every time a ball has been hit his way.
Shortly after Rosario’s acquisition, catcher David Lyon signed his contract on June 15. Lyon has found a solid role in the catching rotation, splitting time with starter Austin Green. Lyon has also contributed a clutch gene into the Blue Crabs batting order, racking up 3 RBI’s in his first 5 games played.
Utilityman Craig Maddox was the next addition to the Blue Crabs’ cast on June 19th. Maddox, who had the 3rd most RBI’s on the New Britain Bees in 2017, has continued the trend in a Blue Crab uniform. Like Lyon, Maddox’s bat has come alive at the right times by cashing in runners in scoring position. Maddox has 5 RBI’s in his first 8 games, in addition to a pair of extra base hits over the span.
The 5th and final June addition for the Blue Crabs came on June 20th, when the team signed pitcher Brett Marshall. The right-hander has been phenomenal since being placed in the starting rotation. Marshall is already tied for 3rd in wins among Blue Crabs pitchers with 2, allowing just 1 run through his first two starts. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Marshall has also fanned 13 batters in as many innings. The Blue Crabs won the first two games they played with Marshall on the mound, including a shutout victory.
As we head towards the second-half of the 2018 Atlantic League season, Southern Maryland has put themselves in a position to make a run at a second-half championship and are poised for a playoff push. With the pieces in place early in the season, and now the contributions of these five newcomers, this team is beginning to click on both sides which has led to a much-improved record.
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.
