The Blue Crabs and Barnstormers kicked off the Freedom Division Championship Series today in Lancaster. Game one featured a matchup of the division champions from the first and second halves of the season. Daryl Thompson got the start to open the critical first game and set the tone quickly as he went the distance in a 2-0 Southern Maryland win.

Offence was at a premium today as both starters looked to make statements coming in. Edwin Carl was acquired by Lancaster only weeks ago and had made one start prior to days contest. He went 6.0 IP allowing one earned run on three hits and three walks. ‘

Daryl Thompson returned to Southern Maryland for a third season shortly before the all-star break and pitched his way to a 7-7 record and a 3.86 ERA in the regular season. The LaPlata, MD native stood tall on the road for the Blue Crabs and shut down the Barnstomers offence, tossing a complete game shutout on 140 pitches while throwing almost 70 percent of his pitches for strikes. Thompson struck out 11 and walked no one in the two hit shutout. He retired the last 18 batters he faced.

The Blue Crabs took the only lead needed in the game on a solo home run to right by Jovan Rosa in the second inning to lead off the frame. Insurance came in the seventh with Pete Andrelczyk on the mound for Lancaster in relief of starter Edwin Carl. Casey Frawley singled with one out and advanced to second on an error by the Barnstormers’ SS Lance Zawadzki, allowing Bryant Nelson to advance to first safely. Antone DeJesus came to bat and singled on a 1-2 count to score Frawley from second.

Overall the Blue Crabs scored two runs on five hits. DeJesus went 2-3 with 1 RBI, Jovan Rosa goes 1-4 with the solo home run to his record. Game two takes place in Lancaster tomorrow at 7:00 PM, LHP Brian Burres will go against LHP Nate Reed.