(Bridgewater, NJ., Jun. 22, 2018) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (21-30) won the series opener against the Somerset Patriots (29-21) 7-0, behind a stellar outing on the mound from Brandon Cumpton (4-3).
A scoreless first got the series started, before the Blue Crabs struck for a pair of runs in the second. Jon Griffin started the inning with a double, moving up to third on a groundout from Devon Rodriguez. A dropped third strike allowed Griffin to open the scoring, but also emptied the bases with two outs. Cory Vaughn kept the inning alive with a single, getting to second on a single from Austin Green behind him. Angelys Nina added a third straight single, scoring Vaughn from second to take an early 2-0 lead.
Cumpton came out of the gates strong, allowing just three hits through his first five innings to maintain the two-run advantage. The offense added some insurance in the sixth, putting up three more runs in the inning. Rodriguez led things off in the inning with a solo homerun, his second of the season. Two batters later Vaughn drew a walk, stealing his way to second before Nina walked behind him. A passed ball moved both runners up, with Vaughn coming across to score on another dropped third strike. Edwin Garcia followed with a single that scored Nina, ending the night on the mound for Somerset’s starter Trevor Foss (2-4) who exited down 5-0.
The offense wasn’t done yet for Southern Maryland, as they added another run in each of the next two innings. Griffin launched a solo shot in the seventh, his fifth homerun of the season in just 14 games with the team. In the eighth, Frank Martinez started a two-out rally by doubling to left field. Griffin picked up another RBI, this time on a single that scored Martinez from second.
The 7-0 lead was turned over to the bullpen, after Cumpton allowed just five hits in seven scoreless innings. Sam Runion was first on in relief, working a quick 1-2-3 inning to send the game to the ninth. Cody Eppley took over at that point, allowing back-to-back one-out hits in the inning. The closer bounced back with a fielder’s choice for the second out, before forcing a flyout to finish off the shutout victory to open the series.
The Blue Crabs return to action Saturday, June 23rd for the second game against the Patriots. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 P.M. on Saturday at TD Bank Ballpark.
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.