Patriots Beat Blue Crabs 6-3

By Atlantic League Independent Wire Services on June 28, 2008

WALDORF , MD- The Somerset Patriots defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 6-3 in front of 4,801 fans at Regency Furniture Stadium on Friday evening.

The Patriots scored two runs in the top of the eighth inning to take their first lead of the game at 4-3. Leftfielder Michael Ryan led off with a single to right, moved to second on a single to left by third baseman Brandon Larson and advanced to third on a passed ball. First baseman Josh Pressley then drove in Ryan with an RBI groundout to second and after an intentional walk, designated hitter Ryan Radmanovich scored Larson with a sacrifice fly to center.

Somerset added two insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning to extend their lead to 6-3. Shortstop Teuris Olivares led off with an infield single to short, moved to second on a passed ball and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Travis Anderson. Second baseman David Housel followed with a RBI single to left to plate Olivares and then centerfielder Sean Smith lined a single to left. Ryan then followed with a RBI fielder’s choice to second that scored Housel.

The Blue Crabs struck first with a run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead when shortstop George Sandel led off with a triple down the right field line and came around to score on a one out RBI single to center by designated hitter Curtis Pride.

Southern Maryland added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning to extend their lead to 2-0 when third baseman Patrick Osborn hit a one out double to left center, advanced to third on a single to right by first baseman Clinton Johnston and scored on a two out RBI single to left by leftfielder James Shanks.

The Patriots tied the game at 2-2 with a pair of runs in the top of the sixth inning. Ryan ripped a one out double down the right field line and came around to score when Larson followed with a RBI double off the left field wall. Pressley then lined a RBI single to left center to plate Larson and tie the game.

The Blue Crabs answered with a run in the bottom of the sixth to take a 3-2 lead when Johnston hit a one out single to center and scored on a two out RBI double to left center by Shanks.

Patriots reliever Frank Brooks (5-2) picked up the win, throwing a scoreless third of an inning on one pitch. Blue Crabs’ reliever Matt Schweitzer (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing two runs, one unearned, on two hits while walking one in 0.2 innings pitched. Patriots’ reliever Brian Reith pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save of the season.

Patriots’ starter Jim Magrane pitched 6.2 innings and allowed three runs on eight hits while striking out four and walking two in a no decision. Blue Crabs starter Ryan Bicondoa allowed two runs on eight hits while striking seven and walking one in seven innings for a no decision.

With the win the Patriots improved to 35-25 on 2008 season while the Blue Crabs dropped to 29-31.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Thursday, July 3rd when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against Freedom Division rivals, the Newark Bears. The game includes an Independence Day Fireworks Celebration courtesy of True and Associates. Tickets are available by stopping by the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

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