Crabs Sweep Stormers After Dramatic 7-6 Win

Crabs see six-run erased, but Viandel Pena delivers go-ahead hit in eighth inning

W: Ethan Hammerberg (1-1)

L:  Cody Stashak (1-1)

SV: Endrys Briceno (3)

WALDORF, MD – Although they saw a six-run lead evaporate, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (22-11) held on for a 7-6 victory over the Lancaster Stormers (21-12) to finish off a three-game sweep. Southern Maryland scored six runs in the first inning, then Lancaster tied the game with six runs of their own in the sixth inning. Viandel Pena delivered the go-ahead hit with an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning for the Blue Crabs.

The Blue Crabs used a monstrous bottom of the first inning to take a large early lead. Southern Maryland tagged Lancaster starting pitcher Noah Bremer for six runs on eight hits. Taylor Darden put the Crabs on top with a two-run double while also starting a stretch of six consecutive hits for the Blue Crabs. Ethan Wilson, Alejandro De Aza, Carlos Rojas, and Dylan Hoy combined for four straight RBI singles to give the Crabs a 6-0 lead. For Hoy, his RBI single came in his first professional at-bat.

The Stormers had a good chance to score in the top of the fifth inning. Back-to-back singles by Scott Kelly and Evan Ulrich followed by a hit batter loaded the bases with two outs. However, Blue Crabs starting pitcher Ian Kahaloa struck out Tyler Miller to retire the side, stranding the bases loaded while keeping Southern Maryland’s 6-0 lead.

Lancaster solved Kahaloa in the top of the sixth inning. The first five batters of the inning reached on singles against Kahaloa, chasing him from the game. Marc Flores and Kelly each had RBI hits. Blue Crabs relief pitcher Peyton Cariaco entered the game with the bases loaded and was greeted by Evan Ulrich with a three-run double. Later on, Jake Thompson dropped an RBI single into left field to tie the game at 6-6.

After five scoreless innings, Kahaloa's night took an unfortunate turn in the sixth inning, failing to record an out in the frame. All five batters he faced in the inning came in to score. In five full innings of work, he allowed five runs on a season-high 10 hits and a hit batter. He struck out three Stormers hitters without allowing a walk.

After Blue Crabs relief pitcher Ethan Hammerberg tossed two scoreless innings, Southern Maryland got back out in front in the bottom of the eighth inning. Stephen Paolini reached second base with a single and his team-leading 16th stolen base. Pena brought him home with a two-out RBI single to right field against Lancaster relief pitcher Cody Stashak to give the Crabs a 7-6 lead.

Blue Crabs relief pitcher Endrys Briceno made short work of the Stormers in the top of the ninth inning, striking out a pair in a perfect frame to secure the win.

The Blue Crabs begin a three-game series against the Staten Island FerryHawks on Friday, May 29 at Regency Furniture Stadium. First pitch is at 6:35 pm.

Kick off your weekend at the ballpark! Stick around after the game for postgame fireworks lighting up the night sky - part of every Friday home game this season. Tomorrow’s game is also Decades Day, as we take in all the nostalgia from every decade. To purchase tickets, click here.

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have been proud members of the Atlantic League since 2008, the third-longest tenured team in the league. With a proud tradition of success on and off the field, many players have found a home while playing in front of Crustacean Nation, the nickname for the Blue Crabs’ avid fanbase. A host of former Major Leaguers have played for the Blue Crabs, including Chien-Ming Wang, Pat Mahomes Sr., and team legend Daryl Thompson. Many players have also made it to the Major Leagues after playing with Southern Maryland, including Isaac Mattson of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 2026 marks the 18th season of Blue Crabs baseball at Regency Furniture Stadium, where Clawsome Times Await.