The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs defeated the Somerset Patriots 3-1 before a Patriots Opening Day record crowd of 7,338 fans at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Friday evening.
The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Second baseman Frank Moore singled and later scored on an RBI single by third baseman Brandon Knight.
The Blue Crabs tied the game in the top of the third inning. Shortstop George Sandel doubled and scored on an RBI double by center fielder Curtis Pride.
Southern Maryland took the lead with a run in the top of the fifth inning on a solo home run by catcher Adam Shorster (1).
The Blue Crabs added to the lead with another run in the top of the seventh inning. First baseman Clinton Johnston tripled and scored on an RBI single by third baseman Patrick Osborn for a 3-1 lead.
Blue Crabs starter Ryan Bicondoa (1-0) picked up the win, allowing a run on five hits and four strikeouts. Patriots starter Brandon Knight (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing two earned runs on three hits and five strikeouts in five innings. Matt Hammons picked up the save (1) for the Blue Crabs with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Somerset Patriots defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 7-0 at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Saturday evening.
The Patriots broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the seventh inning. Designated hitter Josh Pressley singled and was replaced with pinch runner Matt Hagen. First baseman Vito Chiaravalloti drew a walk and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and error that allowed shortstop Teuris Olivares to reach base safely and score Hagen. Right fielder Elliott Ayala followed with a two-run single to give Somerset a 3-0 lead.
Somerset added four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Third baseman Brandon Larson singled and scored on an RBI double by Hagen. Chiaravalloti then singled and Hagen scored on an RBI single by Olivares. Chiaravalloti and Olivares each scored on wild pitches for the 7-0 final.
Patriots reliever Frank Brooks (1-0) picked up the win with two scoreless innings pitched. Southern Maryland reliever Travis Wade (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing three runs on two hits in 0.1 innings pitched.
Patriots starter Steve Kelly pitched five scoreless innings and allowed three hits and recorded six strikeouts. Blue Crabs starter John Halama pitched six scoreless innings and allowed five hits and struck out five.
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 2008 season continues today, with a 1:35 p.m. away game against the Somerset Patroits. See schedule and more team information at www.somdbluecrabs.com.