Blue Crabs Even Series, Shutout Skeeters
Waldorf, MD – Just a couple of days ago, Southern Maryland had won seven consecutive games, but coming into tonight’s contest, they had lost two of three. The Blue Crabs looked to even the series with Skeeters after a 10-7 loss last night. Southern Maryland accomplished that goal as they knocked off their Freedom Division rivals in a 3-0 victory.
Sugar Land’s starter, Dallas Beeler (L, 6-4) struggled in the first inning. As per usual in Blue Crabs home wins, the good guys struck early and often. Today it was Dean Green who knocked in his 15th RBI in just 14 games played. Green blooped a 3-0 pitch over the right side of the infield to score Edwin Garcia from second base, putting the Blue Crabs ahead 1-0 early.
Southern Maryland kept it going in the bottom of the fourth inning. Cory Vaughn led the frame off with a walk, and Stan Cliburn effectively incorporated the small ball approach, moving the speedy Vaughn into scoring position on a Charlie Valerio sacrifice bunt. Tony Thomas finished the job as he roped a line drive up the middle to score Vaughn, and Southern Maryland held a 2-0 lead through four innings of play.
After taking another two innings off from scoring, the good guys implemented the small ball approach once again in the bottom of the seventh inning. Dean Green, who had yet another multi-hit game, ripped a line drive into right field as he scored Josh McAdams to put the Blue Crabs up by a tally of 3-0.
Brandon Cumpton (W, 5-8) got the start tonight for Southern Maryland, and the MLB veteran brought his best stuff. The right-hander attacked Sugar Land early, and never let up. He allowed just five hits and induced three double play balls through seven and one-third innings against a potent Skeeter offense. Cumpton picked up his second consecutive win and hasn’t given up a single run in his last 13 1/3 innings of work.
After walking a batter in the top of the eighth with one out, Stan Cliburn made the call to the bullpen, and sent James Dykstra to the hill. The new comer inherited one runner, and immediate gave up a single. The right-hander swiftly worked around the jam, and came out scoreless.
The game headed to the top of the ninth inning, and Mat Latos (S, 12), the Blue Crabs closer came with it. The former Cy Young candidate shut down the Skeeters in order, giving the Blue Crabs a 3-0 victory.
The Blue Crabs will return home tomorrow, Sunday July 21th, for a game three of a three-game set with the Sugar Land Skeeters, and a 2:05 p.m.
Catch all Blue Crabs home games on the Blue Crabs Broadcast Network, live streamed on YouTube (@SOMDBlueCrabs) and on Facebook (@SOMDBlueCrabs)
About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The Blue Crabs, in their 12th season of baseball, call Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland home. For more information on the Blue Crabs, please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com for more information.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
###