Crabs Out-Duel Patriots in 11 Innings
Published on August 18, 2011 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs News Release
Bridgewater, NJ - A masterful nine-inning, one-run performance by Southern Maryland Blue Crabs starter Brian Slocum led the way as the Blue Crabs defeated the Somerset Patriots 2-1 in 11 innings on Thursday night from TD Bank Ballpark. The Blue Crabs moved to 3-5 in extra-inning games this season with the win.
Somerset drew first blood as a wild pitch in the first inning by Southern Maryland starter Brian Slocum scored shortstop Brandon Chaves from third to give the Patriots a 1-0 lead.
Southern Maryland tied the game in the fourth inning as an RBI double by first baseman Casey Benjamin scored designated hitter Brian Barton from first and put the Blue Crabs on the board.
After squandering a couple of opportunities during regulation to take the lead, Southern Maryland finally broke ahead in the 11th. After Patriots reliever Ron Villone retired the first hitter he faced, he promptly walked the next three hitters he faced. That set the stage for catcher Christian Lopez who sent a sac fly into left field, which scored third baseman Kody Kirkland to give the Blue Crabs the 2-1 lead.
From there, closer Jim Ed Warden retired the side in order in the 11th to record his league-leading 24th save of the season. The Blue Crabs were led offensively by Lopez who went 2-3 with a double and RBI. As for the Patriots, they had only five hits in the game including two singles each from second baseman Fernando Cortez and third baseman Brandon Chaves. All five hits for Somerset were singles.
For the three-game series, the Patriots scored only four runs on 18 hits.
The star of the night for Southern Maryland, however, was Slocum as he fired nine innings while allowing a run on five hits though he got a no-decision. Reliever Steve Palazzolo (8-2) wound up with the win as he pitched a 1-2-3 10th inning for the Blue Crabs. His eight wins are a team-high. The loss went to Villone (0-2) for the Patriots.
The Blue Crabs head home to begin a three-game series and home stand with the Lancaster Barnstormers beginning Friday at 7:05. The Blue Crabs will send right-hander Eddie Rodriguez (5-4, 4.50 ERA) to the hill against left-hander Yunior Novoa (4-2, 4.61 ERA) for the Barnstormers. The game can be heard on www.somdbluecrabs.com.
Atlantic League Stories from August 18, 2011
- Barnstormers Survive Three Revs Comebacks To Snatch Community Cup - York Revolution
- Metcalf Blast Wins Cup - Lancaster Stormers
- Sharks Take Series from Bluefish - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Riversharks Win in Extras - Camden Riversharks
- Ducks On Cloud Nine After Series Sweep - Long Island Ducks
- Crabs Out-Duel Patriots in 11 Innings - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
- Blue Crabs Top Patriots in Extra Innings - Somerset Patriots
- Revolution Announce Playoff Ticket Plans - York Revolution
- Playoff Food Drives Announced - Long Island Ducks
- Riversharks Host Jersey Auction for the Jason Thompson Foundation August 20th - Camden Riversharks
- Bluefish Knock off Riversharks - Camden Riversharks
- Thurman Racks Up More Zeroes Setting Up Winner-Takes-Cup Scenario On Thursday Night In York - York Revolution
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
