BARNSTORMERS, BLUE CRABS PLAY TO TIE

Southern Maryland Rallies Late to Tie Game

When things have gone wrong for the Lancaster Barnstormers this post-season it has involved unlikely regular season matchups.

Right-handed slugger Michael Snyder blasted a game-tying home run to lead off the bottom of the ninth against left-hander Alex Pepe to draw the host Southern Maryland Blue Crabs into a 4-4 tie that was never broken. Lancaster’s pre-season record against Atlantic League foes stands at 1-1-1.

Lancaster was staked to a 3-1 lead in the top of the third. Josh Whitaker banged a single into center, and Jeff Kobernus scooted a base hit through the left side. Charlie Cutler ripped a double down the right field line to score one. Brian Burres retired the next two hitters without Kobernus being able to cross the plate, but Caleb Gindl singled through the right side, scoring a pair.

Jamar Walton’s second double of the day plated Zach Wilson, who was clipped by a Pete Andrelczyk pitch, with two outs in the seventh. The Barnstormers recovered that run in the eighth on a triple to right center by Whitaker and a sacrifice fly to left by Kobernus.

Shortstop Carlos Gonzalez flared a single into right center off Connor Root with one out in the eighth inning, again cutting the Lancaster lead to one. Snyder’s home run kept Sunday’s decision from tilting in either direction.

Starter Bryan Woodall allowed a run in the second on a single, balk, fly out and sacrifice fly. It stands as the only run allowed by a Lancaster starter this pre-season.

Lancaster will play the York Revolution at 2:00 on Monday afternoon to complete its Atlantic League spring training schedule. The club will play a short intrasquad game on Tuesday in its final preparation for Thursday’s opener against the Blue Crabs back at Regency Furniture Stadium.