Waldorf Blue Crabs @ Lancaster Barnstormers 7/18/08

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Waldorf Blue Crabs @
Lancaster Barnstormers
July 18, 2008

Blue Crabs botch ballgame

Friday, July 18, 2008

by Timothy Tilghman

The Lancaster Barnstormers are enjoying their fourth season of Minor League Baseball in an outstanding facility. Clipper Magazine Stadium opened in May 2005. The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are a brand new franchise from Waldorf that launched in May 2008.

Both teams are affiliated with the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs, founded in 1998. Lancaster is with the Freedom Division, and Waldorf is with the Liberty Division. Lancaster's front office has been discounting the cost of weekday tickets for families feeling the painful pinch at the pump.

The ballgame got underway with the first pitch at 7:07 pm. The first inning proved to be an exciting clash between the opposing division clubs. Blue Crab #25 Jeremy Owens began the first inning by knocking in one run. A second run followed for Waldorf. Barnstormer #20 Danny Gonzales batted in a run for Lancaster at the bottom of the inning.

It was during the third inning that Lancaster had loaded the bases. #41 Matt LeCroy reached first safely after sending a runner home. Then, #31 Manny Mejia successfully drove two more runs home, which gave Lancaster a 4 run lead over Waldorf.

The Lancaster Barnstormers remained active on the diamond in the fourth inning, scoring two runs on two wild pitches. A catcher error and a second base error proved to be costly for Waldorf. Barnstormer #12 Francia stole second base and then third base, which placed him in scoring position. #15 Michael Woods batted a single that enabled Francia the seventh Lancaster run in the sixth inning.

#11 George Sandel doubled to deliver Waldorf's third run in the seventh inning. However, #10 Luis Perez swatted in a home run along with another runner, boosting Lancaster's lead to 9 runs. The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs were trailing heavily behind Lancaster with only three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Waldorf kept Lancaster in check with three quick outs in a row at the top of the ninth inning. Out of the blue, Waldorf came alive in the bottom of the inning. #6 James Shanks batted a solo home run. Batters #9 Maples and #14 Ketron were struck out at the plate. The crowd jeered with #11 Lloyd Turner in the batter's box, but he was walked to first base.

Blue Crab #16 John Ramistella's powerful swing knocked the ball 400 feet deep for a stunning home run. The stadium crowd were silent as Sandel and Ramistella crossed home plate in the bottom of the ninth. The umpire called #19 Pride out at bat, which ended the ballgame at 10:05 pm. Lancaster had prevailed over Waldorf 9 to 6.

Upstairs on the second level, the Lancaster facility features 5 Party Suites and 22 luxury boxes in addition to offering several concession amenities. Ticketing options include the Home Run Pavilion, the Barnstormers Picnic Deck or general admission lawn seating.

Clipper Magazine Stadium is family friendly. Activities to occupy children are available in the Weis Kids Play Area which includes a Merry-go-round, the Birthday Zone welcomes small parties to celebrate that special day, and the premiere Bumper Boats water ride beyond the outfield. Cylo is Lancaster's popular mascot.