(Bridgewater, NJ., Aug. 6, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (13-16) took the series finale against the Somerset Patriots (14-14) 6-1, behind a grand slam from Ryan Wiggins to cap a five-run fourth inning.
Both starting pitchers were strong through two innings, taking a scoreless game into the bottom of the third. The inning started for Somerset with Justin Trapp reaching base on an error by the Southern Maryland first baseman. Two batters later, Trapp stole second, before advancing to third on a groundout to second. Drew Hayes (6-5) then allowed a single to Kyle Roller, with Trapp crossing to open the scoring in the game.
The Blue Crabs responded quickly, jumping on Patriots’ starter Will Oliver (4-3) in the fourth. The rally started with two outs in the inning, as three straight singles loaded the bases for Southern Maryland. A passed ball allowed Michael Snyder to score, before a walk to Patrick Palmiero loaded the bases once more. Ryan Wiggins promptly emptied the bases, connecting on a grand slam to take the lead. Wiggins second grand slam of the season put the Blue Crabs ahead 5-1, a comfortable advantage for Hayes.
The right-hander allowed just two hits over his final three innings, being removed from the game after six innings of work. The Blue Crabs added another run to their tally in the seventh inning, with Alex Glenn coming across to score. Glenn started the inning with a double, advancing to third on a groundball from Jose Lozada. Edwin Garcia followed with his third single of the game, scoring Glenn to extend the lead to 6-1.
The Southern Maryland bullpen took over from there, allowing just two walks across the last three innings of the game. Sam Runion, Jesse Beal, and Craig Stem combined to allow no hits out of the bullpen, with Stem forcing a 1-6-3 double play to end the game.
The win in the series finale clinched the Blue Crabs back-to-back series wins for the first time since the start of the second half. The series win also serves as the first for Southern Maryland against Somerset this season.
The Blue Crabs return to action Monday, August 7th continuing the road trip with a three-game series against the Long Island Ducks. Southern Maryland will send RHP Eric Fornataro (0-1, 4.50) to the mound, coming off his first quality start of the season. He will matchup with Long Island’s RHP Alfredo Simon (1-3, 5.60). First pitch in the game scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Monday at Bethpage 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.