Starter strikes out 10 over seven innings; Ducks score in seventh and ninth to win
(Photo courtesy of Joe Doll)
(Waldorf, Md., May 14, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 2-1 on Tuesday night in the second game of a four-game series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
Southern Maryland took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on an RBI single to left field by Tony Thomas off Ducks starter Darin Downs. It stayed that way until the seventh inning when Daniel Fields lifted a two-out solo home run to center field off Blue Crabs starter Craig Stem, tying the game at one.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis led off the ninth inning with a double to left-center. L.J. Mazzilli sacrificed him to third base, and Matt den Dekker drove him in with a single through the left side, giving the Ducks a 2-1 lead. Frank Martinez led off the ninth with a double to left, but George Kontos retired the next three hitters in order to preserve the win.
Downs did not factor into the decision but pitched seven brilliant innings, allowing just one run on four hits and no walks while striking out 10. Joe Iorio (1-0) picked up the win after tossing a 1-2-3 eighth inning. Stem (1-2) took the loss, yielding two runs on seven hits and no walks over nine innings with seven strikeouts. Kontos nailed down his first save of the year with a scoreless ninth.
Steve Lombardozzi led the Flock offensively with two hits.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their four-game set on Wednesday morning. First pitch is scheduled for 10:35 a.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel. Right-hander Brett Marshall (1-1, 4.50) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Brandon Cumpton (0-2, 3.71).
Long Island returns home on Friday, May 17, to begin a four-game series against the New Britain Bees. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It will be Flashback Friday, and fans will be able to enjoy 2000 season pricing on select Ducks individual game tickets purchased via the team’s in-game vendors. Field box seats for future Ducks games will be just $9, while box seats will be only $8 (restrictions apply). In addition, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for a free regular sub (no purchase necessary) and $2 off any size sub at Jersey Mike’s Subs to fans as they exit the ballpark. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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