(Waldorf, MD., Aug. 18, 2018) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (15-21) won against the Road Warriors (7-30) 3-2, scoring all three of their runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Both teams got runners in scoring position in the first inning, but neither could capitalize to get across the opening run. That changed in the top of the second, when Daniel Aldrich launched a solo homerun. It was the second homerun of the season of the season in limited time for Aldrich and gave the Road Warriors an early 1-0 lead.
A pair of scoreless innings would ensue, before the Road Warriors would add another to their lead in the fifth. After a lineout started the frame, Brett Marshall allowed a single to Osvaldo Martinez. Martinez would come around to score two batters later, when Jorge Fernandez doubled in the gap to bring Martinez all the way around and extend the lead to two.
Andres Caceres got the start for the Road Warriors and found himself battling throughout the night. The southpaw went five innings, allowing five hits while issuing four walks. Caceres pitched great with runners in scoring position on the night though, stranding nine Blue Crabs on base including seven in scoring position.
Both bullpens took over in the sixth inning, as they traded two straight scoreless frames. Southern Maryland got on the board in the eighth, with Cory Vaughn beginning the inning with a solo homerun. Jose Gonzalez followed that with a double, moving up to third on a sacrifice bunt attempt from Francisco Rosario. The pitcher Christian Flecha (2-4) elected to attempt to get Gonzalez out at third on the bunt, leading to a throwing error that allowed Rosario to reach second.
That play ended the night for Flecha, who turned things over to Jose Ortega to try and escape the jam. The right-hander immediately got a popout, before a wild pitch allowed Gonzalez to score and tie the game. A strikeout and walk were next, setting up Jon Griffin for an RBI single, bringing home Rosario to take a 3-2 lead, the first of the night for the Blue Crabs.
Closer Cody Eppley (S,12) was handed things in the ninth, looking to extend the winning streak to five games. Eppley allowed a leadoff single to Ermindo Escobar, who was replaced at first by pinch-runner Matt Hibbert. A sacrifice bunt and groundout moved Hibbert around to third, before Eppley got a groundout to first base to finish off the 3-2 win.
The Blue Crabs return to action Sunday, August 19th for the series finale against the Road Warriors. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 P.M. on Sunday 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.