(New Britain, CT., Aug. 16, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (14-24) were victorious against the New Britain Bees (15-22) 5-1, snapping an eight-game second half losing streak.
The Blue Crabs got on the board early, putting up a run in the first inning. Edwin Garica started the game off right, leading off with a single. Michael Snyder came through with a two-out double later in the inning, scoring Garcia from first to give Southern Maryland a 1-0 lead.
They added another run in the third when Tucker Nathans collected his first home run, a solo shot off Jonathon Pettibone (1-6). The Bees responded in the bottom half off the inning, putting up one off Daryl Thompson (7-6). James Skelton started the two-out rally with a single to right, moving to second on a Jordan Hinshaw single. Jovan Rosa followed with a single of his own, scoring Skelton from second to cut the lead to 2-1.
The offense came alive for the Blue Crabs in the fourth, sending eight men to the plate in the inning. Back-to-back singles started the inning, putting runners on the corners with nobody out. Zach Cone drew a walk to load the bases before a single from Patrick Palmeiro scored the first two runs in the inning. Luis Alen hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Cone from third to extend the lead to 5-1. Thompson took over from there, working three straight scoreless innings to finish his outing.
He turned over the four-run lead to the bullpen, with Cody Hebner first to come in. Hebner struck out the side in order in the seventh. Zack Thornton followed with another 1-2-3 inning, turning the top of the ninth over to Cody Eppley. Eppley followed suit, striking out two in a scoreless inning to finish the win. The victory snapped an eight-game losing streak in the second half and evened the series with the Bees.
The Blue Crabs return to action Thursday, August 17th for the series finale in the three-game series against the Bees. Southern Maryland will send RHP Drew (6-6, 4.33) to the mound, looking to take the series. He will matchup with New Britain’s RHP Mike Lee (3-6, 4.30). First pitch in the game scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Wednesday at New Britain Stadium.
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.