The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (24-31) took game two against the Road Warriors (12-43) 5-0, behind a stellar outing from starter Brett Marshall (2-0).
The Blue Crabs got the offense going early, putting up a run in the bottom of the first. Ryan Strausborger got the inning started with a single, moving up to second on a groundout from Edwin Garcia. An infield single from Frank Martinez put runners on the corners, setting up an RBI double from Teodoro Martinez to open the scoring on the night.
A solo homerun from Cory Vaughn added another to the total, giving Marshall an early 2-0 lead. The right-hander retired the first eight batters he faced on the night, before a double in the third from Geraldo Valentin put a man in scoring position. Marshall responded with his fourth strikeout of the game, retiring the side to maintain the two-run lead.
The offense continued to add on in the fourth, as doubles from Angelys Nina and Strausborger added one. A walk and a single put two on with nobody out in the fifth, as the Blue Crabs looked to add more to the total. Craig Maddox followed with a double off the left field wall, easily scoring Songco to bring the lead to 4-0.
The Road Warriors offense threatened Marshall in the top of the seventh, loading the bases in the inning. Jose Ruiz led off the inning with a single, before two batters later Marshall hit Edwin Gomez to put two runners on with one out. A fielder’s choice moved Ruiz up to third, and put Alfredo Silverio on first with two down in the inning. After a walk to Ermindo Escobar loaded the bases, Marshall recovered to force a flyout to center, escaping the inning and ending his night after seven scoreless innings of work.
Southern Maryland continued to pad their lead in the bottom half of the inning, adding another to the tally. Songco started the frame with a walk, moving around to third on a single from Teodoro Martinez. A strikeout followed, but Martinez stole second to move up, which led to an intentional walk to Vaughn. Nina followed with another walk to score Songco from third, before Christian Flecha got a strikeout and a flyout to end the inning.
The Blue Crabs bullpen took over the 5-0 game in the eighth, with Jason Creasy striking out a pair in a 1-2-3 inning. In the bottom half of the inning rain hit, sending the game into a delay. Due to the weather conditions, the game was called final at the time of the start of the delay, giving the Blue Crabs the win. The victory gives Southern Maryland four wins in their last five games.
The Blue Crabs return to action Thursday, June 28th for the series finale series against the Road Warriors. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Thursday 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.