(Lancaster, PA., Jun. 2, 2018) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (10-22) were swept in a doubleheader by the Lancaster Barnstormers (24-9), dropping a 1-0 pitcher’s duel in game one and a rain-shortened game two 4-1.
Both teams put a runner in scoring position in the first inning of game one, but neither could capitalize with a run. The Barnstormers then opened the scoring on the day in the second with a solo homerun from Joey Terdoslavich. Terdoslavich’s sixth homerun of the season gave Lancaster and Jonathon Albaladejo (4-2) an early 1-0 lead.
After a dominant third from Albaladejo and Casey Delgado (2-3), both offenses threatened in the fourth inning. Frank Martinez started the offense in the inning with a one-out single in the top half of the frame. Cory Vaughn extended the half-inning with a two out single, moving Martinez up to scoring positon. Albaladejo then forced a groundout from Angelys Nina, escaping the inning while maintaining the one-run advantage.
Blake Gailen started the bottom of the inning with a walk, before Ryan Casteel doubled to put two in scoring position with nobody out. Delgado got a shallow flyball from Terdoslavich, preventing either runner from tagging up while recording the first out. Trayvon Robinson was intentionally walked to load the bases, bringing Anderson De La Rosa to the plate. Delgado got the catcher to ground in to an inning-ending double play, stranding the bases loaded to keep the Blue Crabs in the game.
After two more clean innings from each starter, the Barnstormers sent Albaladejo back to the mound in the seventh looking for the complete game. Vaughn started the inning with a single, going first-to-third on a bunt-and-run play with Nina. Johnny Bladel then pinch-hit with one out in the inning, looking to score Vaughn as the tying run. Bladel’s line drive to left was caught by Trayvon Robinson, who immediately fired home just in time to beat Vaughn who was trying to tag up. The double play ended game one with a 1-0 win for Lancaster, and Albaladejo’s first complete game of the season.
After a quick 30-minute break, the teams returned to action for game two of the doubleheader. With Southern Maryland now serving as the home team, The Barnstormers wasted no time grabbing the lead in the top of the first. A single and a walk started the second game, before a double-steal put Darian Sandford and Rico Noel in scoring position with one out. A hard-hit ball to third from Casteel led to an error, allowing both runners to score and give Lancaster a 2-0 lead.
The Barnstormers added two more in the second, taking a commanding lead early. Nate Coronado doubled to start the inning, with a Vladimir Frias single putting runners on the corners. A wild pitch moved Frias up to second, setting up a two-RBI single off the bat off Carlos Garcia. Another single put runners on the corners with one out, ending the night for starter David Wayne Russo (1-1). Shane Watson came up and recorded back-to-back strikeouts, limiting the damage but still leaving the inning down 4-0.
Lancaster’s pitching continued to dominate the Blue Crabs bats, as two pitchers combined to allow just one hit through the first four innings. Southern Maryland finally scratched across a run in the fifth, the team’s first on the day. Vaughn reached on a hit-by-pitch, but was replaced at first by Austin Green on a fielder’s choice. Nina followed with a double, putting two men in scoring position for the top of the order. Bladel picked up a sacrifice fly to score Green, cutting the deficit to 4-1.
Rain came in the bottom of the sixth inning, sending game two into a second rain delay. After about a 45-minute delay, the game was officially called due to the weather, giving Lancaster the victory in the game and a sweep of the day.
The Blue Crabs return to action Sunday, June 3rd for the series finale against the Barnstormers and final game of the road trip. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. on Sunday at Clipper Magazine 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.