BLUE CRABS CRUNCH BEARS

By Atlantic League Independent Wire Services on May 31, 2010

(Newark, N.J., May 31, 2010) - Jarrett Santos scattered six hits over six shutout innings, and Brian McFall knocked in three runs, two coming on a two-run homer in the eighth inning, leading the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs to an 8-3 victory over the Newark Bears on Memorial Day at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

After three scoreless innings, the Blue Crabs reached Bears starter and loser Matt Smith (3-3) for four runs in the top of the fourth inning.

Southern Maryland had three straight singles against Smith to load the bases, then McFall drew a walk to bring in the first run, his first of three RBI. Richard Giannotti hit a grounder that was booted for an RBI and Octavio Martinez grounded into a fielder’s choice for another run. Kody Kirkland plated the final run in the rally with a single.

Santos secured his second win in three decisions and sent the Bears to their third straight loss, striking out a season-best six batters and walked just two.  Southern Maryland added an unearned run against Smith in the fifth inning, scoring without the benefit of a hit. Smith, the Kearny native, walked three in the inning, with Patrick Osborn, who had three hits and scored twice for the winners, scoring on an error.

Southern Maryland scored another run off reliever Matt Melody, the Union native and former NJIT hurler, in the sixth inning, with Matt Craig driving in a run with a double. But Melody had a solid outing in relief, pitching three innings, allowing just one run, and retiring the last eight batters he faced.

Shawn Williams, making his first start as a member of the Bears, had two hits, as did Scott Spiezio, Fernando Cortez and James Cooper, to lead Newark.  Catcher Isaiah Kaaihue, playing in only his second game with Newark, belted a solo homer deep to left field for the Bears’ first run. Cortez drove in a run in the eighth inning with a single. The Bears loaded the bases in that frame, but the Blue Crabs got out of trouble when Kennard Jones grounded back to the mound to end the threat. The Bears also loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth and scored when Daryle Ward drew a bases loaded walk as a pinch-hitter, but the threat ended one batter later.

The Bears resume their four-game series with the Blue Crabs Tuesday morning at 11:05 a.m., with the gates of Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium opening at 10:05 a.m.  As part of the Bears’ partnership with the Newark Public Schools, twelfth graders will be attendance for a post-graduation celebration and career day. Local colleges, vocational schools, recruiters from the armed forces and other non-traditional organizations will have information tables setup on the concourse. There will also be a celebratory feel to the day recognizing the accomplishments of the senior classes.  Tickets for the game and all upcoming Bears games are available at the Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium box office, by calling (973) 848-1000 ext. 212, or by logging onto www.newarkbears.com and clicking on the tickets icon on the top of the page.

Readers Comments