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New Britain, CT., Jul. 16, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (5-4) came up short in the series finale against the New Britain Bees (5-4) 5-4, with the Bees walking off the win on a Conor Bierfeldt single in the bottom of the ninth. 

The Blue Crabs scored first in the ballgame, as they did in every game in the three-game series. Zach Cone led off the top of the second with a single, stealing second and advancing to third on a throwing error from the catcher. Patrick Palmeiro followed with a double, easily scoring Cone. After two outs were recorded, a two-out single from Edwin Garcia scored Palmeiro, putting Southern Maryland ahead 2-0.

Brian Grening was strong on the mound for the Blue Crabs to start the game, allowing just two hits through the first four innings. The Bees finally got to Grening in the fifth, putting up a run in the inning. Jordan Hinshaw started the inning with a single, but was forced out on a fielder’s choice from Michael Crouse. Crouse proceeded to steal second and advance to third on a wild pitch, setting up a fielder’s choice from Jamar Walton to cut the lead in half.

New Britain took the lead in the bottom of the sixth, putting up three runs in the inning. Jon Griffin was hit by a pitch to start, advancing to scoring position on a Hinshaw single. Crouse followed with a three-run homerun, putting the Bees ahead 4-2.

Both bullpens were strong from there, trading a pair of scoreless innings. The Bees turned their two-run lead to closer Shawn Gilblair (2-2), looking to pick up the save. Gilblair allowed a lead-off homerun to Ryan Wiggins, cutting the lead to just one run and bringing up the top of the Blue Crabs lineup. After picking up two outs, Gilblair allowed a solo homerun to Zach Wilson, tying the game at 4-4.

Gilblair walked back-to-back batters before working out of the inning, to set-up the middle of the Bees lineup. The number two hitter in the order, James Skelton, led-off with a single advancing to second on a groundball that was bobbled at shortstop. Jesse Beal (5-1) picked up a strikeout for the second out, before Conor Bierfeldt singled to left-center field, scoring Skelton from second for the walk-off 5-4 win.

The Blue Crabs return to action Monday, July 17th, as they return home to host the York Revolution for a three-game series. Southern Maryland will send RHP Daryl Thompson (5-4, 3.76) to the mound, looking to start the series strong. He will matchup with York’s RHP Steve Janas (1-4, 5.18), facing the Blue Crabs for the third time this season. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Monday at Regency Furniture 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.