Gaby Hernandez matched his longest start of the season going 7.1 innings as the Blue Crabs won a pitcher’s duel over the Somerset Patriots 2-1 to snap their five-game losing streak. The win is just the third on the season in 20 tries when scoring two runs or less.
Hernandez (1-3) earned his first victory of the season allowing the one run over 7.1 innings. He scattered six hits with no walks and seven strikeouts, one shy of his season high. Matt Langwell (2-5) had his third quality start in his last four but was still saddled with the loss. He gave up two runs on six hits in six innings of work. Jim Ed Warden threw a perfect 9th inning for his 10th save of the season. He has not allowed a run since May 21st.
A two-out rally helped the Blue Crabs score the first run of the game in the bottom of the 1st. Jake Opitz and Luke Murton drew back-to-back walks and C.J. Ziegler grounded through the right side for his 30th run batted in of the season and a 1-0 lead.
The two teams then exchanged solo home runs as Jake Opitz doubled the Blue Crabs lead with his 6th home run of the season, tied for most on the team. The two-run lead was short lived though as Brian Barden hit the first pitch he saw in the top of the 4th over the left field wall for his 1st of the season.
The Blue Crabs continue their series with the Somerset Patriots tomorrow evening at 7:05 PM. Righty Ian Marshall (2-4, 3.69) will be on the mound for Southern Maryland while right-hander Erik Arnesen (5-3, 3.80) will pitch for Somerset. Purchase tickets for the game by visiting www.somdbluecrabs.com or calling 301-638-9788.
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