The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs faced off against the Somerset Patriots in the first of the three-game weekend set Friday at Regency Furniture Stadium. Looking to snap a recent skid, the Blue Crabs turned to La Plata native, Daryl Thompson, who was looking to pick up his tenth win on the season. The Somerset Patriots countered with a righty of their own in Erik Arnesen who was looking to build some momentum for the Pats after splitting a four-game series versus the Bridgeport Bluefish.
With the two pitchers locked in a pitchers duel throughout, the Blue Crabs were looking to muster any offense they could and hopefully get some runs on the board. They would do just that in the fifth, when third basemen Cesar Nicolas would single to leadoff the inning. Jose Salas would then single to right to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. With no outs Cole Garner would double off the leftfield wall to score Nicolas.
Thompson would hold the Patriots at bay all night pitching six innings while blanking the Pats and surrendering just three hits and four walks while striking out two. The Pats would break through in the eighth inning for three runs after a 35-minute rain delay. After loading the bases, the Pats pushed the tying and winning runs across with two infield hits. After adding an insurance run on a sacrifice fly the Patriots were able to hold on for the 3-1 victory.
UP NEXT – The two teams will go back at it tomorrow night as they face off in game two of the series. Righty, Ian Marshall will take the ball for the Blue Crabs in the 6:35scheduled game. To listen to the Blue Crabs tune in to www.phoenixintermedia.com. Fans can also purchase tickets by logging onto www.somdbluecrabs.com, calling
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