Gannon Shuts Down Patriots 8-1

By Atlantic League Independent Wire Services on August 24, 2008

WALDORF , MD- The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs defeated the Somerset Patriots 8-1 in front of 5,972 fans at Regency Furniture Stadium on Saturday evening.

Southern Maryland struck first with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 2-0 lead. The Blue Crabs loaded the bases on a single to right center by rightfielder John Ramistella, a hit-by-pitch to designated hitter James Shanks and a walk to third baseman Patrick Osborn. Second baseman Chris Maples followed with RBI single to left that plated Ramistella and then first baseman Clinton Johnston hit a sacrifice fly to center that scored Shanks.

Somerset got a run back in the top of the second inning to make it 2-1 when designated hitter Kevin Kotch drew a one out walk, advanced into scoring position on a single to center by leftfielder Elliott Ayala and scored on a Blue Crabs’ fielding error on a ground ball to short off the bat of second baseman Gera Alvarez.

The Blue Crabs added two runs in the bottom of the third inning to extend their lead to 4-1. Ramistella led off with a triple to right center and after a one out intentional walk to Osborn, came around to score on a RBI single to right center by Maples. Then after Johnston drew a walk, centerfielder Jeremy Owens hit a sacrifice fly to left that drove in Osborn.

Southern Maryland plated an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth inning to make it 5-1 when shortstop Enohel Polanco hit a one out single to center and came around to score on a two out hit-and-run infield single to third by Shanks and a Patriots’ throwing error.

The Blue Crabs scored another run in the bottom of the fifth inning to make it 6-1 when Maples led off with a double to left center and came around to score on a one out RBI double down the left field line by Owens.

Southern Maryland scored their final two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to make it 8-1. Leftfielder Eric Crozier led off with a single to left and moved to second on a one out single to center by Polanco. Ramistella then hit a RBI double off the left field wall that scored Crozier and Shanks followed with a sacrifice fly to center that plated Polanco.

Blue Crabs’ starter Joe Gannon (9-4) picked up the complete game win, allowing one unearned run on four hits while striking out ten and walking four in nine innings of work. Patriots’ starter Josh Brey (6-4) suffered the loss, allowing four runs on four hits while walking three and striking out two in three innings pitched.

With the loss the Patriots dropped to 18-23 in the second half and 58-53 overall on 2008 season while the Blue Crabs improved to 22-19 and 58-53.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Tuesday, August 26th when the Patriots return to Commerce Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 pm game against the York Revolution. The game includes Rulers (1st 1,500 Kids) presented by Staffing Alternatives. Great seats 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.

Readers Comments