(Bridgewater, NJ., Jul. 26, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (8-10) dropped game one of two seven-inning game against the Somerset Patriots (9-8) 1-0, on a walk-off single in extra innings, the second consecutive walk-off win for the Patriots.
David Russo got the start for the Blue Crabs, just his second of the season. The southpaw ran into some trouble with command in the second, walking back-to-back batters with one out in the inning. A groundout put both runners in scoring position, before Russo forced a flyout to strand the pair.
Mike Antonini on the other side was strong in his debut for the Patriots. He retired the first 10 batters he faced, before finally allowing a single to Edwin Garcia in the fourth inning. Antonini was removed from the game after the hit, finishing with 3.1 innings pitched, and allowing just one hit while striking out four batters.
Russo continued to dominate for the Blue Crabs on the hill, allowing just one hit through 4.2 innings. He was lifted in favor of Sam Runion, who came in and stranded an inherited runner at second. Runion worked a scoreless bottom of the sixth, taking the game to the seventh still scoreless.
The Blue Crabs went down 1-2-3, bringing up Somerset with a chance to win the game. Cody Hebner picked up two quick outs, before a pair of walks put the winning run on second. Hebner picked up a strikeout of Aharon Eggleston to finish the inning, sending the game into extras.
Southern Maryland went down in order once again, sending the top of the Patriots lineup to the plate in the bottom of the eighth. Justin Pacchioli singled with one out off Craig Stem (2-2), stealing second during the next at-bat. Stem then issued a walk to Adam Donachie, before a single from Kyle Roller scored Pacchioli from second, finalizing a 1-0 Somerset victory. The walk-off win was the second in a row for the Patriots, who won yesterday’s matchup in similar fashion.
The Blue Crabs return to action later today for game two of the doubleheader against the Patriots. Southern Maryland will send RHP Eric Fornataro, who was acquired in a trade earlier this week, to the mound to make his team debut. He will matchup with Somerset’s RHP Will Oliver (3-2, 5.36), facing the Blue Crabs for the first time this season. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 P.M at TD Bank 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.