The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (29-21, 59-61) got a late inning scare from the Camden Riversharks (22-28, 56-63) but survived in a 4-3 win Monday night. With the win and a Bridgeport loss, the Blue Crabs now stand at a 5.5 game lead for first place in the Liberty Division second half standings with 19 games remaining.
The game remained 4-1 in favor of the Blue Crabs heading into the seventh inning. With men on first and second with one out, Blue Crabs manager Patrick Osborn turned to his bullpen and Charlie Manning to relieve Hernandez. Manning struck out the next batter but a wild pitch allowed the runners to advance to second and third. The at bat to Chris Walker then concluded with a walk to load the bases. With two outs and the winning run at the plate, short stop Bryan Burgamy roped a 2 run single off Manning to score Lloyd Turner and Steve Doetsch and bring the score to 4-3.
The game would remain at 4-3 though as relievers Kevin Hart and Chris Mobley each pitched scoreless innings to preserve the lead. Mobley received his 9th save of the season.
The Blue Crabs got another great start and win out of Gabriel Hernandez (3-1) as he kept Camden in check. Through 6 1/3 innings pitched, he only allowed 2 earned runs on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 10 batters. In 4 starts since being released from the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, Hernandez has struck out 27 through 24 2/3 innings of work. His ERA stands at 3.28.
Richard Mercado had a nice game at the plate with two extra-base hits. He homered in the fourth inning and doubled in the eighth. He also had 2 RBI and 1 run.
Camden starter Eddy Camacho received the loss bringing his record to 0-4 on the season. In 5 innings pitched, Camacho gave up 4 runs on 8 hits. He also struck out 3 and walked 3 batters.
Game 2 of the series and home stand continues tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm with Matthew Vasquez (9-7, 4.25) going against Keith Weiser (7-8, 4.05) for the Riversharks. It’s the final Silver Slugger Tuesday presented by Hearing Professionals where all members will get to throw a first pitch! All fans ages 50 and older will also receive $5 off field box tickets.
