(Lancaster, PA., Sep. 7, 2018) - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (19-33) fell in the series opener against the Lancaster Barnstormers (29-24) 4-3.
The Barnstormers jumped on the board in the first, putting up four runs in the bottom of the first. Back-to-back singles started the game, before David Wayne Russo (3-6) got a flyball for the first out. Another single loaded the bases, before a Trayvon Robinson double scored a pair. A single from Josh Bell scored another run, before a walk loaded the bases. After a popup recorded the second out, another walk made the score 4-0.
Southern Maryland fought back in the second with a run of their own. Frank Martinez began the inning with a single, moving to scoring position on a walk to Angelys Nina. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third, allowing Martinez to score on a groundout from Jose Gonzalez. A two-run homerun from Jon Griffin in the following inning cut the deficit down to one run.
Russo settled in nicely after the first inning, allowing just two hits across his five innings of work. On the other side, Johnathon Albaladejo (8-7) was just as strong for the Barnstormers though, as he worked through eight innings allowing just the three early runs. The Blue Crabs bullpen worked a pair of scoreless inning after Russo, sending the one-run game into the ninth.
Lancaster turned the game over to Huascar Brazoban (S,3) in the ninth, looking for the save in the opener. The closer retired the side in order, finishing things off with a strikeout to end the 4-3 Barnstormers win.
The Blue Crabs return to action Saturday, September 8th for a doubleheader against the Barnstormers. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. on Saturday at Clipper Magazine 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.