(Waldorf, MD, July 20, 2022) Blue Crabs Closer Mat Latos tallied his 1,500^th professional career strikeout in Tuesday night’s game.  

Latos started his professional career with the San Diego Padres. Being drafted in the 11^th round in the 2006 MLB draft, Mat made his professional debut with the Padres on July 19^th, 2009. In his MLB debut, Latos went 4 innings, giving up 3 hits, allowing 2 runs, but fanning 6 batters. Latos tallied his first Major League win on July 24^th, 2009. In 2010, Latos finished 8^th in Cy Young votes, posting a 2.92 ERA and striking out 189 batters. In 15 professional seasons, Latos has an impressive career ERA of 3.36

In a blockbuster trade in 2011, Latos was sent from the Padres to the Reds. In his first season with the Cincinnati Reds, Latos had a win/loss record of 14-4 with a 3.44 ERA and striking out 185 batters.  

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs signed Mat Latos in 2019. After being a starting pitcher his entire career, the Blue Crabs moved him to the end of their bullpen as their closer. Latos shined in that role, tying a career low 1.06 ERA and tallying 25 saves on the season. The Atlantic League named Mat Latos the Reliver of the Year in 2019.  

Latos continued to play for the Blue Crabs in 2021 and 2022. During the past two seasons, Mat has showed why he was named the Atlantic League Reliver of the Year in 2019. Latos has a 2.65 ERA since joining the Blue Crabs in 2019. Pitching in 124 games for the Blue Crabs, Latos has pitched 122.1 innings, and has struck out 114 batters. In 15 professional seasons, Latos has a career ERA of 3.36. During his three seasons with the Blue Crabs, Latos sits 3^rd for the most saves in franchise history (69).