(Central Islip, NY., May 6, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (2-7) took the series finale against the Long Island Ducks (5-4) 3-0, behind five scoreless innings from starter Drake Britton.
Johnny Bladel stayed hot to start the game, picking up a lead-off double for Southern Maryland. A groundout advanced Bladel to third, where he would score easily on a groundout to second from Ryan Strausborger. Bladel’s first inning run gave the Blue Crabs an early lead for the second straight day.
Britton was dominant on the mound with his lead, allowing just one hit through his first four innings. The offense gave him a few more runs of insurance, adding two runs to their total in the fifth. Devon Rodriguez started the inning with a single, moving to scoring position on a walk from Cory Vaughn. Two batters later, a single from Jose Gonzalez scored Rodriguez, moving Vaughn up to third as well. Andrew Daniel followed with a sacrifice fly, taking a 3-0 lead.
The southpaw Britton, making his first start of the year, was lifted as five innings of one-hit ball. The bullpen took over the three-run lead, looking to hold the lead and snap the seven-game losing streak. Joey Wagman was first on in relief, working two straight scoreless innings, maintaining the advantage.
Both teams threatened in the eighth, but neither could capitalize with runners in scoring position. Craig Stem (S,1) returned to the mound for the bottom of the ninth, looking for the two-inning save.
The Blue Crabs return to action Tuesday, May 8th for the opener of the two-game home series against the defending champion York Revolution. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Tuesday 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 http://www.AtlanticLeague.com.