Sharks 5, Crabs 4

By Atlantic League Independent Wire Services on July 6, 2008

WALDORF, MD – The Blue Crabs battled back from a three-run deficit, but a late inning unearned run gave the Camden Riversharks their seventh win in a row against Southern Maryland, this one by a score of 5-4

Pitcher Jonathan Connolly pitched well for the Blue Crabs, striking out six over seven innings of work while surrendering only three runs. Matt Schweitzer takes the loss after pitching one inning, giving up one unearned run, to drop him to 0-2 on the season. In those two losses, Schweitzer has been tagged with three runs, but only one of those runs has been earned.

After staking the Riversharks to an early 2-0 lead, the Blue Crabs loaded the bases in the bottom of the second inning. Following a leadoff walk by Clinton Johnston on four pitches, Jeremy Owens also earned a free pass. Eric Crozier then fell behind 0-2, but stayed patient and also was given a stroll down to first to load the bases.

Christopher Maples then came to the plate, and smacked a ball down the third base line. A diving stab by Alberto Castillo knocked the ball down, saving two more runs, but Johnston was able to score easily.

Camden would score two more runs in the top of the fourth, but again the Blue Crabs loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth. Owens was hit by a pitch to lead off, then promptly stole second base. Crozier then earned another walk, this one on five pitches, and Maples would follow later with a bloop single to right that juiced the bags for catcher Adam Shorsher.

Shorsher came through in the clutch, smacking a two-run single to right that scored Owens and Crozier. Maples would score on a sacrifice fly by George Sandel, and the score stood tied at 4-4.

Because the game had started with a one hour and forty-four minute rain delay, the time heading into the seventh inning was rapidly approaching eleven o’clock, the deadline to start the fireworks display. The game was halted so that the fans could enjoy the festivities and celebrate the holiday, and twenty-eight minutes later the game was restarted with Schweitzer on the mound.

Schweitzer pitched very well, giving up only a leadoff single before mowing down the next two batters. A bad hop led to a Camden run, but Schweitzer would strike out the next batter to end the inning.

In the bottom of the ninth the Blue Crabs gave it one last gasp, with Jeremy Owens leading off by blasting a line drive off the wall in left. The ball was hit too hard, however, as Owens had to pull up halfway to second and retreat to first with a single. Crozier would then send a shot to the warning track that barely stayed in the park, but was caught. Maples followed suit, and Shorsher couldn’t capitalize either as Southern Maryland’s hopes were dashed.

The Blue Crabs will try to get that all elusive win versus the Riversharks tomorrow, and will have two opportunities to do so. The first game of the day-night doubleheader is scheduled to start at noon, with Darren Sack facing off against left-hander Keith Ramsey. Mike Gibbs, the newest Blue Crab, will get his first start for the team in the second game, facing off against Kevin Mannix of the Riversharks. The estimated game time for that contest is 6:05 pm, and there will be a fireworks display following the matchup.

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