The Somerset Patriots defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 7-4 in front of 3,613 fans Saturday at Regency Furniture Stadium. The Patriots began the game by homering in the first inning and would not relinquish the lead for the remainder of the game. In the loss, Southern Maryland drops to 3-7 in the Liberty Division, while Somerset improves to 6-3 in the Freedom Division.

First baseman Jose Julio-Ruiz led the way for the Blue Crabs this evening, going 2-for-4 and contributing two RBIs on the night. Julio-Ruiz brought the Blue Crabs within one in the fourth as the team attempted a bottom of the inning rally however, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs would be unable to add any more runs in the frame. Designated-hitter Ryan Mulhern would have the only other multi-hit game (2-for-4), while center fielder Jeremy Owens continued to warm up after a cool streak, going 1-for-3 with two walks and two stolen bases.

Somerset’s second baseman Jonny Tucker went 3-for-5 tonight for the Patriots, dishing out three RBIs and one run in the contest. Catcher Jake Fox also hit his second home run in as many nights for the Patriots as he went 2-for-5 with one run and one RBI.

LHP Jeremy Sowers would not perform as strongly on the mound as he did in his last start against Somerset. Despite pitching two strong innings to begin the game, Sowers would eventually unravel in the fifth, walking the first three batters he faced. In four innings the starter allowed five runs on four hits and three walks. 

For the Patriots RHP Mitch Atkins also faced trouble throughout his five innings pitched. The Blue Crabs would nab four runs off of three hits, while Atkins managed five strikeouts in his start and walking four.

Sowers began the game by retiring the first two batters he faced, but gave up a home run to the next batter Fox. The home run was the second of the series for the catcher who went 2-for-5 last night. Despite a leadoff walk by Owens, the Blue Crabs were unable to add any runs in the bottom of the inning as the Patriots took an early 1-0 lead. 

Sowers quickly redeemed himself in the second by retiring the next three batters in a row and the Blue Crabs defense helped the 26 year-old get out of trouble in the third. Patriots center fielder Aharon Eggleston would be hit by a pitch, advancing to first in the top of the third with one out, but the Blue Crabs would get two outs right back as Sowers struck out shortstop Bobby Stevens and Eggleston was caught stealing at second. Designated hitter Yunesky Sanchez, who has collected seven hits in the first eight games, then came to the plate. Fortunately though, a fly out to the shortstop for Sanchez helped the Blue Crabs get out