After an exciting regular season, the two best teams in the Liberty Division of the Atlantic League will face off in round one of the playoffs, starting Sept. 22 at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf.
The Blue Crabs won the first half title (41-29) on July 2nd and finished second to Bridgeport in the second half of the season and the teams finished in a virtual tie overall with the Blue Crabs not making up a earlier rainout game to finish just one half game behind the Bluefish for the overall title. The teams battled in close games all season and the Blue Crabs won the season series 11-9.
Blue Crabs manager Butch Hobson has been looking forward all season to another playoff opportunity this season after winning the division last year as well. Hobson’s team, who lost a number of players to Major League Baseball over the second half, is led at the plate by Matt Craig who finished the year with a .323 batting average 15 homers and 62 RBI in 104 games.
Casey Benjamin added 20 homers, 66 RBI and a .304 Batting Average and fan favorite Patrick Osborne had another strong season. (.298/8/48)
On the mound the Blue Crabs are led by Dan Reichrt who set a new Blue Crab record with 18 wins. John Halama returns from the Oakland A’s organization just in time for the playoffs. Jim Ed Warden led the team with 30 saves and a 2.61 ERA.
Game One is tonight with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf. The remainder of the schedule is as follows:
Game 2 Thursday Sept. 23 7 p.m.
Game 3 Friday Sept 24 7 p.m. in Bridgeport
Game 4 Saturday Sept 25 7 p.m. in Bridgeport (If Needed)
Game 5 Sunday Sept 26 at Regency Furniture Stadium