Bridgeport Collects 12 Hits In Marathon Matchup Against Southern Maryland
(Bridgeport, CT– July 27, 2016) – The Bridgeport Bluefish (11-9, 41-49) were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (9-11, 35-54) 9-7 in 12 Innings at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard on Wednesday evening in a contest that lasted four hours and twenty-one minutes, the second longest ballgame played by the Bluefish in 2016. Southern Maryland takes the rubber game of the three game series, while Bridgeport concludes their six-game homestand with a record of 3-3 after winning two of three games from the New Britain Bees over the weekend in the Park City.
Bridgeport Starting Pitcher Mike Antonini registered a no-decision, allowing six runs (five earned runs) on six hits in four innings on the mound, walking and striking out two batters each and surrendering a pair of home runs and wild pitches while also hitting a batter. Southern Maryland Starting Pitcher Scott Snodgress also did not factor into the game’s final outcome, giving up four runs (two earned runs) on five hits in two and one-third innings pitched, striking out three and issuing a pair of free passes. Ian Marshall (3-0) earned the win, allowing just a single hit in three scoreless innings, walking two and striking out one. Matt Iannazzo (0-3) was tagged with the loss, giving up two runs on four hits in one and two-thirds innings on the mound. Cody Eppley picked up his 19th save of the year for the Blue Crabs, retiring the side in order to secure the win.
Bridgeport broke through on the scoreboard first, as Jose Gil stole home in the bottom of the second to give the ‘Fish a 1-0 lead. Southern Maryland responded by plating four runs in the top of the third to take a 4-1 advantage. After advancing to third on a passed ball, Norberto Susini crossed the plate to even the score, on an error by Luis Hernandez on a ball hit by Bryant Nelson. Michael Snyder later in the frame launched a three run home run to left field off Antonini, his league-leading 16th big fly of the season. The Bluefish would fire back in the home half of the inning, batting around and scoring three runs to knot the game at four. RBI singles by Endy Chavez, Welington Dotel, and Angelys Nina did the damage, as Bridgeport erased the three-run deficit.
Southern Maryland was not finished with the long ball on the evening, as Gary Brown’s two run shot deep to left once again off Antonini game the Southern Maryland a 6-4 cushion in the top of the fourth inning. Nina’s second RBI single of the game would put a run back up on the board for Bridgeport in the bottom of the fifth, as Dotel crossed the plate to give the game to cut the deficit in half. Josh Vitters tied the ballgame at six the home half of the sixth, coming in to score on a single laced to centerfield by Luis Hernandez. The ‘Fish would regain the lead in the bottom of the eighth when Jonathan Galvez scored on a single to right by Chavez that made it 7-6 in favor of the boys from the Magic City. Bridgeport’s hopes for the win in the top of the ninth were relinquished, as Gustavo Molina stepped up with two outs and blasted a solo home run to left field off closer Jose Cuevas to even the score at seven. The Blue Crabs would put up two in the top of the 12th off Iannazzo to take the lead for good at 9-7. After Jamar Walton drilled a single to send Zach Wilson home to give the Blue Crabs the advantage, Alfredo Marte scored an insurance run on a wild pitch thrown by Brian Moran to close out the scoring. Chavez and Nina led the offensive efforts for the Bluefish, with three hits each. The Bluefish lost tonight’s game, but with Serv Pro, IT’S LIKE IT NEVER EVEN HAPPENED, because of Serv Pro’s amazing staff and attention to detail. Visit their website at www.servprostamford.com Photo provided courtesy of Dave Csordas.
Bridgeport now heads to the Garden State to take on the Somerset Patriots in a four game weekend series. The Bluefish return to the Ballpark at Harbor on Tuesday, August 2nd to face the Sugar Land Skeeters to kick off a nine game homestand. First pitch is scheduled for 7:12 P.M. It will be Hot Rod & Car Show Night at the ballpark, as well as $2 Tuesday, when hot dogs and other selected concessions items are just $2. CLICK HERE for tickets.
The Bridgeport Bluefish are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. For further information, call 203-210-BLUE (2583) or visit BridgeportBluefish.com
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