On Sunday, July 19 the crowd at Regency Furniture Stadium on Sunday saw something that had yet to happen during the 2009 season. For the first time this summer, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs fell to the Camden Riversharks at home, losing 5-3 despite rallying for a third consecutive game.
Southern Maryland’s season-high six game winning streak was snapped and the Blue Crabs are now 6-1 against Camden at home this season. Following the script from the first two games of the series, Camden jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning and one run in the third inning. Camden also added single runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
Despite allowing Camden’s five runs, Blue Crabs’ starter Joe Gannon (7-10) pitched well, striking out three in eight innings of work. It was the fourth consecutive start Gannon has pitched seven innings or more.
Blue Crabs right fielder and leadoff batter John Ramistella, and Manager Butch Hobson were each ejected following the eighth inning after two head-scratching strike calls high and away to Ramistella. The looking strikeout ended the inning, stranding two runners on each corner for Southern Maryland, trailing 5-3.
Camden’s starter Dewon Brazelton secured his fourth win of the season by allowing three earned runs and striking out five in seven innings. Chris Shaver picked up his first save of the season, allowing a hit to Mike Just in the ninth.
The Blue Crabs return to action Monday night for the first of a four game series against the York Revolution. Southern Maryland’s Mike O’Connor, a lefty and former Washington National, will make his Blue Crabs’ debut against York left-hander Brian Holliday (1-1, 5.70). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.