(Sugar Land, TX., May 16, 2018) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (6-11) dropped game three against the Sugar Land Skeeters (11-6) 6-4, with two errors costing them four of the runs in the game.
The Blue Crabs grabbed an early lead, putting up a run in the top of the first. Johnny Bladel got the game started with a walk, and Joey Wong singled right behind him. Two batters later Angelo Songco added another single, loading the bases with just one out. A groundout to first from Frank Martinez allowed Bladel to score, putting the team ahead 1-0.
The offense added another run in the second, giving Daryl Thompson (2-1) a 2-0 lead. Cory Vaughn led off with a single, going first-to-third on a single from Edwin Garcia. Bladel followed with a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Vaughn to come across for another run.
The Skeeters responded with a run in the bottom of the third. An error started the inning, as Alvaro Rondon got into scoring position on the play. Kyle Kubitza followed with a single, putting runners on the corners with nobody down in the inning. Matt Chavez added a sacrifice fly, allowing Rondon to score and cut the lead in half.
Vaughn responded in the top of the fourth with a solo homerun, his second of the season. Another error in the bottom half of the inning hurt the Blue Crabs, as Sugar Land took the lead with three in the inning. After two quick outs, an error at third extended the inning allowing Denis Phipps to reach base. A single from Barrett Barnes put two aboard, before a three-run homerun from Courtney Hawkins gave the Skeeters a 4-3 lead.
Derek Norris added a solo homerun for the Skeeters in the fifth, the first earned run Thompson allowed on the night. The Blue Crabs responded with one of their own in the sixth, as Vaughn continued his hot night. He was hit by a pitch to start the inning, stealing second to get in to scoring position. Garcia followed with his third hit of the game, scoring Vaughn from second to cut the deficit to one run.
The Skeeters picked up an insurance run in the seventh, when Norris doubled in Kubitza, bringing the score to 6-4. The bullpen for Sugar Land continued on strong, after only getting four innings on the mound from starter Brett Marshall. Felipe Paulino came on for the ninth, looking to notch his fifth save of the season. The closer allowed a leadoff single to Garcia, before a strikeout and a groundout finished off the game.
The Blue Crabs return to action Thursday, May 17th for game four of the seven-game road series against the Skeeters. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 P.M. on Thursday at Constellation Field.
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.