The Blue Crabs jumped out early and shut down York the rest of the way for a 9-1 win.
It's been that type of week for the York Revolution. Pedro Liriano looked so good in the first inning: First-pitch strikes, ahead of hitters -- it came easy.
And then -- POOF! -- all that good stuff just drifted off like a cloud floating across the York city skyline.
When the second inning finally ended, Southern Maryland's hitters had seen 33 pitches, sent nine batters to the plate and took a commanding lead in a game they would win, 9-1, at Sovereign Bank Stadium.
It wasn't exactly death by pummeling, it was more like being knocked out while shadow boxing. Single up the middle, swinging bunt for a another single, walk, walk, double, hit by pitch and single.
The most frustrating part had to be that Liriano's two walks came against hitters he had buried in the count.
"That was where the game kind of fell apart for Pedro, because he had a batter 0-2 and then another batter 0-2, and they both walked," Revolution manager Mark Mason said. "It's just one of those things. In Somerset he was outstanding. He threw a shutout. Today he was ahead, he just couldn't finish."
The last week has been draining. Not only did the Revs complete a nine-game road trip, but they played four games decided by one-run margins, survived one gamethat featured three rain delays and lost a 14-inning game to start a series in Waldorf, Md.
The Crabs put the game away with a four-run fourth against lefty reliever Kris Regas. Ryan Mulhern and Cyle Hankerd hit back-to-back homers.
Meanwhile Crabs starter Logan Williamson (2-1) lowered his ERA to 2.38 by allowing one run on six hits.
The Revs looked like a team out of rhythm at the plate, managing seven singles against three Blue Crabs pitchers.
The eight-run margin of defeat is the second largest of the season, trailing only a 9-0 loss to Sugar Land.
"We haven't had batting practice on the field -- uh, whew -- since the second night in Somerset (June 12)," Mason said.
It was a night best to be forgotten.
But you could say that for a couple games during the Revs' last week.
* * *
Notes: Starter Nick Green has returned to the Revs. Green left the Revs earlier this month in anticipation of signing with a Mexican League team, but negotiations have dragged. Unsigned and unwilling to stay away from the game much longer, Green has returned to the clubhouse and could resume playing with the Revs if nothing comes with his negotiations in Mexico. ... The Revs dropped to 15-15 at home. York is 16-11 on the road, the league's third-best mark.
@jimseip; 771-2025
