(Waldorf, MD., Jul. 18, 2018) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (4-4) took the second game against the Somerset Patriots (7-1) 4-3, handing the Patriots their first loss on the second half of the season.
A scoreless first inning started the night for Kyle Drabek, who was making his debut for the team. Somerset was able to get to the right-hander for one in the second, taking an early lead on the night. Matt Oberste drew a walk to leadoff, moving to second on a single from Endy Chavez. A wild pitch moved both up, where Oberste would come across to score on a groundout from Justin Trapp. A walk and a single loaded the bases with one out in the inning, before Drabek forced a double play to finish the frame and limit the damage to just one.
The Blue Crabs offense responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the third. Angelys Nina led off the inning with a single, stealing second to get in to scoring position. Nina would come across two batters later on a double from Edwin Garcia that would tie the game. A walk and two stolen bases put Garcia and Teodoro Martinez in scoring position as well, before Kyle Davies (3-4) struck out back-to-back batters to end the inning at 1-1.
Southern Maryland would take the lead in the next inning, putting up two runs in the fourth. Cory Vaughn got the offense going with a one-out single, before a flyout to center put two down in the inning. A hit-and-run was put on with Nina at the plate, and he sent a double out to the left-center field wall. With Vaughn on the move he was able to easily come around to score from first on the play. Nina would do the same on the next play, as Ryan Strausbroger doubled him in to grab a 3-1 lead.
Craig Stem (5-3) came on for the Blue Crabs after just two innings for Drabek in his debut. The versatile reliever was asked to play a long relief role on the night, as he went four innings in the game. The only run Somerset could get on the game against the right-hander came on a solo homerun from Trapp. Stem exited the game after the sixth, holding on to a 3-2 lead.
The Blue Crabs answered right back in the bottom of the sixth, adding another run to their lead. Vaughn got things going once more, this time singling as the leadoff man in the inning. A groundout moved Vaughn up to second, where he would easily on another double from Nina to add an important insurance run to the lead.
A pair of scoreless innings sent the 4-2 game into the ninth, where the Blue Crabs would hand thing over to their closer Cody Eppley (S,8). Eppley allowed a leadoff single to Ramon Flores, who was replaced at first by Alfredo Rodriguez on a fielder’s choice. Jermaine Curtis followed that with a double to left-center field, moving Rodriguez to third and putting the tying run on second in the form of Curtis. After a strikeout picked up the second out in the inning, a wild pitch brought home Rodriguez to cut the lead to one run. Eppley bounced back immediately, getting a groundball to first that would end the game, as Southern Maryland hung on to win it 4-3.
The Blue Crabs return to action Thursday, July 19th for the series finale in a three-game series against the Patriots. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Thursday at Regency Furniture 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.