(Waldorf, MD., Sep. 17, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (28-42) dropped the finale game of the regular season against the New Britain Bees (32-39) 5-1, finishing off a sweep for the Bees.
After a scoreless first inning, New Britain grabbed the lead in the second off David Russo (2-4). Craig Maddox led off the inning with a double, moving up to third on a flyout from Jamar Walton. Conor Bierfeldt followed with a two-out single, scoring Maddox to take an early 1-0 lead.
New Britain added another run to their tally in the fourth, capitalizing on a leadoff hit once more. Jovan Rosa started the inning off with a double, before pinch-ran for by Michael Baca at second. Back-to-back flyouts followed, before a two-out hit from Walton allowed Baca to score and extend the lead.
Kyle Simon (12-11) was dominant on the mound for the Bees, facing the minimum through his first four innings. Tucker Nathans led off the fifth inning with a single moving to second on a groundout. After a strikeout, Nathans stole third, before scoring easily on a single from Patrick Palmeiro to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Bees responded quickly, putting up two more runs in the sixth off Russo. Maddox started the rally with a single, moving to second on a walk from Jon Griffin. A groundout to first moved both runners up, with Bierfeldt coming through with his third hit of the game to score the pair. Bierfeldt’s second and third RBI’s of the day put the Bees ahead 5-1, a comfortable lead for Simon to hand over to the bullpen.
Simon’s day finished after 5.2 innings, handing over his four-run lead to the Bees bullpen. They picked up right where the starter left off, shutting down the Blue Crabs offense. Brandon Fry and Brandon Shimo combined to get through the seventh inning, before handing the eighth over to Brian Dupra. Dupra worked a perfect eighth, before returning for the ninth and allowing a leadoff single to Nate Samson. Back-to-back fielder’s choices followed, before a groundball to second finished off the 5-1 win for the Bees.
The Blue Crabs will return to action Wednesday, September 20th for the first game in a best of five playoff series against the York Revolution. Southern Maryland will send RHP Gaby Hernandez (11-4, 2.80) to the mound, looking to win the first game on the road. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday at PeoplesBank Park.
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.