(Central Islip, N.Y., May 24, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 6-4 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Jared Walker gave the Blue Crabs a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a solo home run to right field off Ducks starter Joe Iorio. The Ducks answered with three runs in the bottom of the first off Blue Crabs starter Eddie Butler on Deibinson Romero’s RBI single to left, an RBI fielder’s choice off the bat of Sam Travis and Alejandro De Aza’s sac fly to center. Southern Maryland closed the gap to 3-2 in the third on Raul Shah’s bloop RBI double to right.
The Blue Crabs took the lead back with two runs in the fifth on a sac fly to left off the bat off Braxton Lee and Shah’s RBI single to center. However, Long Island jumped back in front 6-4 in the bottom of the inning on Michael Wielansky’s RBI infield single to shortstop and De Aza’s two-run homer to right.
Iorio (4-0) earned the win, tossing five innings, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Butler (2-1) took the loss, conceding six runs on 11 hits and one walk in seven innings with one strikeout. Sandy Baez collected his fourth save with a perfect ninth inning, striking out two.
Dustin Woodcock led the Flock offensively with three hits and two runs. Romero, Rusney Castillo and Vladimir Frias each added two hits, while De Aza drove in three runs.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their three-game series on Wednesday night. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s a Waddle In Wednesday at the ballpark! Fans will be able to purchase any unsigned baseball for just $5 (normally $7) in the Waddle In Shop throughout the ballgame. Right-hander Akeel Morris (0-2, 6.57) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs lefty McKenzie Mills (2-1, 5.14).
Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com as well as on the Ducks official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League is the first Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. The ALPB has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing 44 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. For more information, please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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