(Photo courtesy of Chris Knight/LNP)

(Waldorf, Md., May 20, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 12-2 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Regency Furniture Stadium.

Southern Maryland struck for three runs in the opening inning against Ducks starter Akeel Morris on Jared Walker’s sacrifice fly to right field and David Harris’ two-run homer to left. A two-run double to center by Raul Shah in the second make it a 5-0 ballgame.

The Ducks closed to within three in the fourth inning on Deibinson Romero’s RBI double to left and Sam Travis’ RBI single to center off Blue Crabs starter Daryl Thompson. However, Braxton Lee’s run-scoring groundout in the sixth and Harris’ RBI single in the seventh restored Southern Maryland’s five-run lead at 7-2. A five-run seventh inning for the Blue Crabs then made it a 12-2 game.

Thompson (3-1) earned the win, tossing six innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits and one walk while striking out three. Morris (0-2) took the loss, conceding six runs on seven hits and two walks in five innings with one strikeout.

Dustin Woodcock led the Ducks offensively with two hits.

The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their three-game set on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans 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. Right-hander Scott Harkin (1-3, 6.58) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs lefty Denson Hull (1-1, 0.68).

Long Island returns home on Tuesday, May 24, to begin another three-game set with Southern Maryland. 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 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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