(Waldorf, MD., Jun. 28, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (37-28) were defeated in game three against the Somerset Patriots (41-25) 12-3, as Brian Grening (6-2) had his four-game winning streak snapped.
The game started well for the Blue Crabs, as they were able to jump on Rick Teasley (7-1), in the top of the first. Teasley, the league-leader in ERA, got the first two outs easily, before allowing a walk to Zach Wilson. Michael Snyder followed with a double, allowing Wilson to cross from first and open the scoring. Cory Vaughn followed with a two-run homerun, giving Grening a 3-0 lead heading to the mound.
The right-hander cruised through a 1-2-3 first inning, before giving up a lead-off homerun to Kyle Roller in the second. The Patriots got to Grening again in the third, scoring three runs to take the lead. Aharon Eggleston started the inning with a single, advancing to second two batters later on an Alfredo Rodriguez single. After a second out was recorded, Greg Golson picked up an RBI single, cutting the lead to one. Roller followed, coming through with a two-RBI double, putting Somerset ahead 4-3.
Grening battled through the next two innings, before Somerset got to him again in the sixth. Roller spearheaded the attack, singling to start the inning, and moving to third on a one-out double. After an intentional walk to Eggleston loaded the bases with two outs, a full count single plated two, opening the lead to 6-3.
Teasley continued to cruise on the other side, allowing just three hits after the first inning. He was pulled from the game after seven strong innings, picking up his sixth quality start of the season. Somerset added two more in the bottom of the seventh, as Roller connected on his second homerun of the game, a two-run shot to put the Patriots up 8-3.
The onslaught continued with the Patriots adding four more runs in the eighth, shutting the door on any comeback hopes the Blue Crabs had in this one. A hit-by-pitch and a walk got the inning started, before a wild pitch set up Rodriguez for a sacrifice fly. Another walk followed, before a single loaded the bases with just one out for the dangerous bat of Roller. He came through once again, clearing the bases on a triple, and increasing his RBI count to eight on the game. A scoreless ninth inning from Duane Below finished out the 12-3 win for Somerset.
The win for the Patriots, with a loss from Bridgeport, clinched the Liberty Division first half championship for them. The loss for the Blue Crabs cut their lead in the Freedom Division to just one game, with five games remaining in their first half.
The Blue Crabs return to action Thursday, June 28th for the series finale in Somerset. Southern Maryland will send RHP Gaby Hernandez (6-1, 2.44) to the mound, looking to ensure the Blue Crabs hold their division lead. He will matchup with Somerset’s RHP Lucas Irvine (4-1, 4.47). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 P.M. on Wednesday at TD Bank Ballpark.
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.