(Waldorf, MD., Jun. 15, 2018) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (17-26) won the series opener against the York Revolution (21-21) 5-0, the team’s sixth shutout of the season.
The Blue Crabs grabbed an early lead on the night, taking the lead in the bottom of the first. Pat McCoy (0-2) ran the count full to the first batter in the inning, before issuing a walk to get things going. Ryan Strausborger then immediately stole second base to get into scoring position, moving up to third on a groundout for the second out. Jon Griffin came through with a two-out hit, getting Strausborger across to open the scoring.
They added more to their early lead in the second, putting three more on the board. A pair of walks started the inning, putting two on with nobody out for Angelys Nina. Nina laid down a bunt on the third base line, leading to a pump fake to first and an infield single. The pump fake got Cory Vaughn rounding third, and led to a rundown for the first out of the inning. The top of the lineup made up for it immediately, as Strausborger singled up the middle to score Austin Green. Edwin Garcia followed with a single of his own to score Nina, before a wild pitch allowed Strausborger to extend the lead to 4-0.
Daryl Thompson (3-2) was dominant on the mound for the Blue Crabs, holding tightly to the comfortable lead. The right-hander worked into a bit of a jam in the third, allowing his first two baserunners in the game. The veteran worked out of it with a groundout, stranding the pair in the inning.
Both pitchers settled in from there, as the former teammates traded scoreless innings. Both starters dominated the offenses in the middle innings, as nobody could mount any offense from innings 3-6. Thompson was removed after seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits on the night.
The offense added another run in the bottom of the seventh, pushing the lead to 5-0. Strausborger once again got the offense going, drawing a one-out walk to reach base. Garcia singled behind him, and an error in left field allowed both runners to advance an extras base to second and third. Teodoro Martinez hit a groundball to third, with Strausborger taking off on contact and sliding under a tag at the plate to score his third run of the game.
The five-run advantage was turned over to the bullpen, as Sam Runion came on in the eighth. Runion continued to dominate opposing batters, as he struck out two batters in a 1-2-3 inning. The Revolution got two runners on in the ninth, before Jason Creasy picked up a strikeout to finish off the win for Southern Maryland.
The Blue Crabs return to action Saturday, June 16th for the second game against the Revolution. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. on Saturday 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.