Joy in Mudville
Published on June 26, 2011 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs News Release
Waldorf, MD - A solo homerun with one-out in the ninth inning by leftfielder Casey Benjamin (2) proved to be the difference as Southern Maryland defeated Long Island 4-3 on Sunday night at Regency Furniture Stadium to conclude their six-game home stand at 2-4.
At first it looked like that Long Island would walk out of here with a sweep as they built a 3-0 lead thanks to second baseman Ray Navarrete.
The Ducks got their first run in the third on an RBI single from Navarrete before a two-run homer by the second baseman in the fifth gave Long Island a commanding 3-0 lead. It was Navarrete's eighth homer of the season.
But the Blue Crabs came storming back with three runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth as five hits in the inning tied the game. Benjamin started the scoring with a two-run single off the leftfield wall to pull Southern Maryland to within one. After a wild-pitch moved Benjamin to second, shortstop Yunesky Sanchez slapped a double down the leftfield line to score Benjamin and tie the game up a three apiece.
Thing would stay that way before Benjamin came through with his round-tripper in the ninth. He finished the night 2-5 with three RBI and two runs scored to go along with the homer. First baseman Tanner Townsend chipped in with a 3-3 effort and a run, while Sanchez went 2- 4 with two doubles and an RBI. Designated hitter Brian Barton, and second baseman Iggy Suarez also had two base knocks in Southern Maryland's 15-hit attack.
Long Island was led by Navarrete who went 2-4 with a homer and three RBI. Centerfielder Kennard Jones went 2-5 with a double and a run scored to aid the Ducks' cause.
Getting the win for Southern Maryland was reliever Steve Palazzolo (4-1) who pitched a scoreless ninth, which was set up by 2.1 scoreless innings of relief from southpaw Charlie Manning. The loss went to Long Island reliever Ehren Wassermann (3-1).
The Blue Crabs will now head to Bridgeport to begin a three-game series with the Bluefish on Tuesday at 7:05. The Blue Crabs will send righty Nick Green (4-2, 5.15 ERA) to the hill against fellow-righty Matt Pike (4-2, 3.98 ERA) of the Bluefish. The game can be heard on www.somdbluecrabs.com.
Atlantic League Stories from June 26, 2011
- Revs Blow Out Bluefish Again For Second Consecutive Sweep, Eighth Consecutive Win - York Revolution
- Barnstormers Squeeze Their Way To Split - Lancaster Stormers
- Patriots Split Twinbill Against Lancaster - Somerset Patriots
- Joy in Mudville - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
- Padron Wins Game for Sharks in Extras - Camden Riversharks
- Epic 16 Inning Battle Goes To Lancaster - Somerset Patriots
- Barnstormers Claim Post-Midnight Win - Lancaster Stormers
- 16-Inning Epic Goes to Lancaster - Somerset Patriots
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