Waldorf, Md.–The Somerset Patriots (34-35) defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (30-39) 5-0 Saturday night from Regency Furniture Stadium to clinch the four game weekend series. Justin Cassel’s outstanding performance propelled the Patriots to victory as he tossed seven shutout innings while tying a season-high with nine strikeouts.

The Patriots scored all five of their runs in the eighth inning as they batted around. Shortstop Yunesky Sanchez clubbed a RBI double, center fielder Jonny Tucker hit a RBI single and second baseman Freddie Bynum spanked a bases-clearing three-run double down the left field line to give the Patriots a 5-0 lead which would be the final.

Cassel earned his third win of the season. Virgil Vasquez suffered his fifth loss of the year. Josh Rupe earned his 14^th save of the 2012 campaign.

The 2012 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue on the road until Friday, July 13 when the Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark to take on the Camden Riversharks at 7:05 p.m. The game features a post-game fireworks show presented by Carrier Clinic.