(Photo courtesy of Eric Wilcox)
(Waldorf, Md., July 9, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 8-6 on Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game weekend series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
The Blue Crabs took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning against Long Island starting pitcher Robert Stock courtesy of a two-run home run to left field produced by Khalil Lee. The Blue Crabs made it 3-0 in their favor in the second as Jack Sundberg drove home Ryan Haug with a two-out RBI single.
The Ducks got to within 3-2 in the third as Brian Goodwin and Ruben Tejada belted back-to-back-solo home runs off Blue Crabs starter Neil Uskali. Trailing 4-2 in the fourth, Brantley Bell cut Southern Maryland’s lead in half after hitting an absolute mammoth of a four bagger over the left field fence. The visitors took their first lead of the ballgame at 5-4 in the fifth thanks to a monstrous two-run home run to left produced by Sam Travis. Braxton Lee’s two-run tater in the home half of the frame enabled the Blue Crabs to jump back out in front 6-5. The visitors got to within 8-6 in the eight when Lew Ford hustled home all the way from second on a throwing error made by Philip Caulfield in the at bat to Joe DeCarlo, but the comeback would fall just short as Endrys Briceno closed the game out for his third save of the season.
Stock (4-1) was dealt his first loss in a Ducks uniform this season after giving up seven runs on nine hits (two home runs) in six innings pitched, walking three and striking out two. Uskali (4-3) picked up the victory, allowing five runs on eight hits (four home runs) across five and one-third innings on the mound, walking two while not striking out a batter.
Tejada led the way offensively for the Flock with a double, home run, RBI, and two runs scored.
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, July 11, to begin a three-game midweek series with the Lancaster Barnstormers. 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, and 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. Right-hander Justin Courtney (0-0, 0.00) gets the nod for the Flock against a pitcher to be announced for Lancaster.
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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