(New Britain, CT., Jul. 13, 2018) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (1-2) won the series opener against the New Britain Bees (2-1) 8-6, in their first action since the All-Star Break.
The offenses jumped out of the gates, each scoring two runs in the first inning. Ryan Strausborger singled to get the game started, moving around to third on a double from Edwin Garcia. A sacrifice fly from Teodoro Martinez brought Strausborger home, opening the scoring on the night. Frank Martinez singled behind that, scoring Garcia for the second run of the inning.
New Britain bounced back right away, tying the game in the bottom of the first. Brett Marshall picked up a strikeout to start his night, but then walked Brock Stassi to put a man aboard. Another strikeout followed, before a two-run homerun from Jason Rogers tied the game at 2-2 heading to the second.
Marshall and Mark Hamburger both settled down after the first, trading a pair of scoreless innings. The Blue Crabs retook the lead in the top of the fourth, putting up a pair of runs in the inning. Angelo Songco got things going with a one-out single, before two batters later Austin Green crushed a two-run homerun. Green’s third homerun of the season, and second in consecutive games, gave Southern Maryland the lead back in the inning.
After a scoreless fifth, the Blue Crabs added two more to their lead in the sixth. Cory Vaughn reached on an error with one out in the inning, advancing to second on the play as well. After a line drive recorded the second out in the inning, a walk to Angelys Nina put two on. Strausborger followed that with a triple, scoring both runners to take a 6-2 lead.
Marshall was dominant after the first inning, allowing just one hit over his final five innings. The right-hander was removed after six strong innings, handing the four-run lead over to his bullpen. After a scoreless seventh inning, the Bees mounted a big threat in the bottom of the eighth, tying the game in the inning.
Vincente Conde, Darren Ford, and Stassi put up three straight singles to start the inning, bringing the tying run to the plate. Deibinson Romero came up with a sacrifice fly, scoring Conde from third but putting an out on the board. A strikeout followed, before a walk to Matt Tuiasosopo loaded the bases once again in the inning.
Jason Creasy (1-1) was then brought on for the Blue Crabs to try to get out of the jam, but an error at second base allowed Jamar Walton to reach base and Ford to score. Jonathon Galvez came through with a two-out single, scoring Stassi and Tuiasosopo so tie the game at 6-6 heading to the ninth.
The Bees brought on their closer, Evan Scribner (1-1), looking to maintain the tie. A flyout started the inning, before Strausborger picked up a single for his third hit of the game. Garcia added his second double of the night behind it, putting runners on second and third with one out. A wild pitch ensued, scoring Strausborger, before a Teodoro Martinez single brought home Garcia as well to retake a two-run lead.
Southern Maryland brought on their closer in the ninth, as Cody Eppley (S,7) looked to finish off the night. The Bees wouldn’t go quietly, as Conde led off with a single and Ford followed with a walk to bring the winning run to the plate. Stassi flew out to center for out number one, moving Conde up to third. A groundout moved Ford up to scoring position as well, putting the tying run on second with two outs. Eppley recovered to get a groundout from Rogers, putting an end to the dramatic 8-6 win.
The Blue Crabs return to action Saturday, July 14th for the second game in the three-game series against the Bees. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Saturday at New Britain 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.