Four run inning nets Crabs a series opening loss

(Lancaster, PA., Sep. 8, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (26-36) were beaten in the series opener against the Lancaster Barnstormers (28-32) 7-2, with a four-run sixth inning icing the game.

Southern Maryland jumped on the board early, scoring one in the first off Rommie Lewis (9-11).
Edwin Garcia started off the game with a double, advancing to third on a single by newcomer Nate Samson. Jose Lozada then grounded into a 6-4 fielder’s choice, allowing Garcia to score from third and take the lead.

Eric Fornataro (0-8) headed to the mound to start his night, working with a 1-0 lead. The right-hander allowed a hit to the leadoff man, Darian Sandford, before Sandford was caught stealing for the first out. However, Fornataro walked the number two hitter, Beau Amaral, and moved Amaral to second on a balk. Two batters later, Cole Garner doubled, scoring Amaral to tie the game.

The Barnstormers took that momentum to the second, picking up the lead in the game. After two quick outs, Fornataro began to struggle with his command, walking Nate Coronado. Lance Zawadzki followed with a double, before a walk to Josh Bell loaded the bases for Sandford. Fornataro continued his command issues, walking Sandford on five pitches, allowing Coronado to score and give the Barnstormers a 2-1 lead.

Both starters settled in for a few innings from there, trading scoreless innings in the third and fourth. Lancaster was able to add an insurance run to their lead in the fifth, when Garner scored on a passed ball. The Blue Crabs fought back immediately, scoring one of their own in the top of the sixth on a solo homerun from Michael Snyder, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Lancaster bounced back to put up four runs in the bottom half of the inning off Craig Stem. Bell started the rally with a single, before a two-out double from Amaral kept the inning alive. Caleb Gindl followed with a single, scoring Bell and Amaral to extend the lead. Garner was up next, and picked up his second and third RBI’s of the game on a two-run homerun, opening up a 7-2 lead.

Lewis worked a scoreless seventh, before turning his five-run advantage over to the bullpen. Daniel Moskos was first out of the pen, allowing a single and a double to start the eighth inning. After picking up a strikeout, Moskos walked Cory Vaughn to load the bases with just one out. He bounced back from the jam quickly, picking up a strikeout and a flyout to strand all three runners. Scott Shuman then came on for the ninth, working a 1-2-3 inning to finish off the win for the Barnstormers.

The Blue Crabs return to action Saturday, September 9th for the second game of a three-game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers. Southern Maryland will send RHP Brian Grening (8-7, 3.66) to the mound, looking to even the series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. on Saturday at Clipper Magazine 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.