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The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs head into their league’s all-star break with four losses in a row and 10 games under the .500 mark. The Somerset Patriots swept a four game series against the Blue Crabs at Regency Furniture Stadium July 5 - 8.

The oppressive heat kept the usual big Saturday night crowd at a low number July 7. That evening, the Blue Crabs were both punchless and Pinchless. The home team was shut out 5-0, managing six hits and having two base runners tagged out at the plate. The familiar, furry mascot Pinch was nowhere to be found, perhaps because of the high humidity.

The Patriots scored all five of their runs in the top of the eighth inning. For the first seven frames fans were treated to the quintessential, dog days of summer pitchers’ duel, as starters Matthew Vasquez of the Blue Crabs and Justin Cassel of the Patriots both worked on shutouts.

An eighth-inning, bases-clearing double by Pats’ second baseman Freddie Bynum put the game out of reach.

Cassel notched the shutout with relief help from southpaw Chase Wrightand right hander Josh Rupe.

The Saturday game was the first of three “Southern Maryland Library Nights with the Blue Crabs.” Special Olympics of Calvert County was also recognized prior to the game. A pregame concert was performed on the concourse be the band Changing Scene.

The Blue Crabs resume regular season play this Friday, July 13 with an away game against the Sugarland Skeeters.The Somerset Patriots return to Regency Friday, July 20 for a three game series with the Blue Crabs, who will then hit the road again.

For more information on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs visit www.somdbluebrabs.com

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com