The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs defeated the Somerset Patriots 5-2 before 5,303 fans at TD Bank Ballpark on Sunday, July 18.
The Blue Crabs took a 1-0 lead on a lead off home run by second baseman Kody Kirkland (9) to start the game.
Somerset tied up the game with a run in the bottom of the second inning. Designated hitter Josh Pressley singled and later scored on an RBI groundout.
Southern Maryland regained the lead with three runs in the top of the third inning. Kirkland led of the inning with his second home run of the game (10). Right fielder Jamal Hill singled and advanced to third on a single by third baseman Patrick Osborn. Both runners would come home to score on a two-run triple by first baseman Eric Crozier for a 4-1 advantage.
The Patriots cut the lead to 4-2 with a run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Second baseman Elliott Ayala singled and later scored on an RBI single by left fielder Joe Burke.
Kirkland answered in the top of the seventh inning with his third home run of the game (11) to give the Blue Crabs a 5-2 lead.
Southern Maryland starter Kenny Rayborn (7-4) picked up the win after allowing two runs on six hits in 5.2 innings pitched. Somerset starter Justin Jones (4-6) got the loss, allowing four runs on seven hits in six innings pitched. Jim Ed Warden got his 15th save of the season after tossing a scoreless ninth inning.