(Waldorf, MD., May 13, 2018) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (5-9) took the series finale against the Road Warriors (4-12) 6-5, behind a walk-off winner from Johnny Bladel.
The Blue Crabs wasted no time grabbing the lead, scoring a run in the first for the second game in a row. A line drive from Joey Wong got the offense started, advancing to second on a pitch that got past the catcher. Wong moved up to third on a groundout from Ryan Strausborger, setting up an RBI single from Frank Martinez to open the scoring on the day.
Drake Britton was strong on the mound early for the Blue Crabs in just his second start of the season for the team. The southpaw allowed just one hit through his first four innings, holding on to the lead. The Road Warriors offense finally came alive in the fifth, as they took the lead with a three-run inning. Jorge Fernandez led off the inning with a single, moving to third on a double from Chris Rivera. Anthony Ray followed with a single, tying the game by scoring Fernandez. After a fielder’s choice loaded the bases, a single from Geraldo Valentin scored two runs, putting the Warriors ahead for the first time in the series.
The Road Warriors added another run to their total in the seventh, taking a three-run lead. Alfredo Silverio started the inning with a single, with Rivera picking up one of his own to follow. An error allowed both men to move into scoring position. Back-to-back walks came next, scoring Silverio from third to make the lead 4-1.
Southern Maryland bounced back, responding with two of their own in the bottom of the inning. An error allowed Edwin Garcia to reach base, moving to scoring position on a single from Bladel. Two batters later, a single from Strausborger scored Garcia, cutting the deficit to two runs. A passed ball followed, with a throwing error from the catcher allowing Wong to score again and bring the game to 4-3.
After a scoreless eighth, the Blue Crabs came up in the bottom of the ninth looking to tie the game. A one-out triple from Garcia put the tying run 90 feet away, with the top of the order coming to the plate. Bladel cashed in an RBI single, tying the game 4-4. The Blue Crabs loaded the bases in the inning, before Andrew Johnston (0-1) was finally able to escape with a popup to strand all three runners and send the game to extras.
Ryan Chaffee (1-0) came on for Southern Maryland, allowing a solo homerun to Gustavo Pierre to put the Road Warriors back ahead. But the Blue Crabs weren’t done yet, as Devon Rodriguez started the bottom of the inning with a double. A walk to Cory Vaughn, followed by a sacrifice bunt from Jose Gonzalez put two in scoring position with one out. Garcia was then intentionally walked, loading the bases for the top of the lineup once more. Bladel came up and continued his hot streak, lacing a single to left field for a hit. Rodriguez scored easily, with Vaughn right behind him coming across to score the winning run. The 6-5 victory was the first extra-inning win of the season for the team, and their first walk-off win.
The Blue Crabs return to action Monday, May 14th for the series opener of the seven-game road series against the Sugar Land Skeeters. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 P.M. on Monday at Constellation Field.
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.