(Photo courtesy of Eric Wilcox)
(Waldorf, Md., July 20, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 5-3 on Thursday evening in the rubber game of a three-game series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
Long Island jumped out in front 2-0 in the top half of the fourth inning against Southern Maryland starting pitcher Spencer Johnston courtesy of a two-out- two-run double into the right field corner off the bat of Brian Goodwin that scored Alejandro De Aza and Alex Dickerson after they both singled earlier in the frame. The Blue Crabs scored four times in the bottom of the fifth versus Ducks starter Matt Solter to take a 4-2 lead thanks to run-scoring singles from Michael Baca and Philip Caulfield and a two-out, two-run double to straightaway center field off the bat of Khalil Lee.
The Flock got to within 4-3 in the sixth thanks to an RBI fielder’s choice by Goodwin that plated De Aza after he led off the inning with a free pass, but Lee’s run-scoring two-base hit in the seventh enabled Caulfield to cross the plate to give the game its final score of 5-3.
Johnston (2-2) picked up the victory, allowing three runs on six hits across five and one-third innings pitched, walking two and striking out five. Solter (4-4) suffered the loss despite registering his fourth quality start in 2023, giving up four runs (one earned) on six hits in six innings on the mound, walking three while striking out five. Endrys Briceno fired two scoreless innings of relief to notch his fourth save of the season.
Goodwin tallied a pair of hits, including a double, and drove in three runs while collecting his 12th stolen base of the campaign. The outfielder now has 14 multi-hit games and seven multi-RBI games in 2023.
The Ducks continue their road trip on Friday night when they open a three-game series against the High Point Rockers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Truist Point. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Left-hander Kyle Lobstein (1-2, 4.98) gets the call for the Flock against Rockers righty Ryan Weiss (5-2, 4.01).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, July 25, to open a three-game series against the Spire City Ghost Hounds. 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 Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. 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.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 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)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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