A Vaughn Bomb Walks-Off Rockers
Waldorf, MD – After splitting the first two games of the series with the High Point Rockers, Southern Maryland looked to pick up another series win in the second half. Although the Blue Crabs trailed for most of the game, Cory Vaughn launched a two-run, walk-off homer to give the good guys a 2-1 victory.
The Rockers sent Chris Pennell to the mound for his first career Atlantic League start. Pennell had a terrific debut for the Rockers, pitching six innings, allowing no runs on just three hits.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Rockers’ offense clicked. Myles Schroder launched a high fly ball off the mini monster in left field. With two outs, Giovanny Alfonzo reached on a fielding error by Edwin Garcia, advancing Schroder to third. The next batter, Frank Nigro, chopped a ground ball through the hole on the right side, scoring Schroder and putting High Point on top 1-0.
Both pitching staffs were terrific throughout the contest. After Michael Kelly pitched six innings for Southern Maryland allowing an unearned run, the Blue Crabs turned to Dusten Knight. In his Atlantic League debut, Knight tossed a scoreless seventh inning. John Hayes (W, 1-3) pitched the eighth and ninth innings, surrendering just one hit while striking out two.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Ryan Kelly entered the game for the Rockers. Joe Benson walked and later advanced to second base on a wild pitch. With Benson just 180 feet away, Cory Vaughn launched a two-run home run to left-center field, giving the Blue Crabs a 2-1 victory. This win gives Southern Maryland the series win over the Rockers and brings the Blue Crabs within a half-game of the York Revolution for the division lead.
The Blue Crabs will return home on Friday August 2nd for the series opener of a three game set with the Somerset Patriots, and a 6:35 p.m first pitch.
Catch all Blue Crabs home games on the Blue Crabs Broadcast Network, live streamed on YouTube (@SOMDBlueCrabs) Facebook (@SOMDBlueCrabs) and Twitter (@BlueCrabs).
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, in their 12th season of baseball, call Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland home. For more information on the Blue Crabs, please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com for more information.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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