(Photo courtesy of Sam Graham)

(Waldorf, Md., July 19, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 6-5 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game midweek series from Regency Furniture Stadium.

Long Island jumped out in front 1-0 in the top of the third inning against Southern Maryland starting pitcher Eddie Butler courtesy of a two-out run-scoring single to the opposite field in left off the bat of Alejandro De Aza that plated Johnni Turbo after he led off the frame with a double. The Blue Crabs made it 2-1 in their favor in the last of the third versus Ducks starter Scott Harkin by way of a two-run home run over the Mini Monster in left field produced by Michael Wielansky.

The Flock went back out in front 4-2 in the fourth thanks to a bases clearing three-run double into the left field corner by L.J. Mazzilli that scored Joe DeCarlo, Vladimir Frias, and Turbo. The visitors made it 5-2 in the fifth as Deibinson Romero plated De Aza with an RBI base knock. Trailing 5-4 in the seventh, Southern Maryland tied the ballgame at five on an RBI base hit from Wielansky against Nick Goody. In the last of the ninth, David Harris flared a single just in front of leftfielder Sam Travis off Edubray Ramos that enabled Zach Collier to cross the plate with the winning run which gave the Blue Crabs the walk-off victory.

Neither pitcher factored in the game’s final outcome, as Harkin gave up four runs on nine hits (one home run) in five innings pitched, walking one and striking out four, while Butler surrendered five runs on 11 hits across six innings on the mound, walking two while striking out six. Ramos (2-1) suffered the loss, allowing one run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning pitched, striking out one. Mat Latos (3-2) tallied the win with a scoreless inning of relief on one strikeout. De Aza had three hits for Long Island, along with an RBI, run scored, and stolen base.

The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their three-game set on Wednesday evening. 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 Joe Iorio (6-3, 4.15) takes the mound for Long Island against Southern Maryland righty Daryl Thompson (9-2, 3.63)

Long Island returns home on Friday, July 22, to begin a three-game series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. 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). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Rally Towels, courtesy of Merch & Swag. It’s also an Angela’s Pizza Friday! A player on the Blue Crabs will be designated as the K-Man. If he strikes out during the game, all fans can show their game ticket to enjoy a special offer throughout the rest of the weekend at Angela’s Pizzeria of Islip. 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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