Southpaw’s nine strikeouts over seven innings not enough to give Flock win
(Photo courtesy of Ellen Sheehan/PLS Photography)
(Waldorf, Md., Aug. 6, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 2-1 on Tuesday night in the second game of a four-game series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
Both starting pitchers were fabulous in the game. Ducks starter Darin Downs (3-3) suffered a hard-luck loss but pitched seven innings of one-run ball, allowing just three hits while striking out nine batters. He retired the final 17 Blue Crabs batters he faced in the game. Southern Maryland starter Dusten Knight (1-2) earned the win, tossing eight and one-third innings of one-run ball, yielding four hits and a walk while also striking out nine.
Cory Vaughn put the Blue Crabs in front 1-0 in the second inning with a leadoff solo home run to left-center field off Ducks starter Darin Downs. It stayed that way until the bottom of the eighth when Tony Thomas lifted a one-out solo homer to left, increasing the host’s lead to two.
L.J. Mazzilli closed the gap to 2-1 in the ninth with a one-out solo homer to left off Knight. Hector Sanchez then doubled with two outs to right-center off Blue Crabs closer Mat Latos, but the righty induced a groundout to end the game and record his 14th save of the season.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their four-game set on Wednesday morning. First pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m. from 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 Vin Mazzaro (4-4, 5.56) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Kyle Simon (3-6, 6.64).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, August 13, to open a three-game series with the York Revolution. 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’s Irish Heritage Night at the ballpark, presented by Shandon Court! The Ducks will be wearing special Irish-themed jerseys, which will be auctioned off during the game. Fans can place bids on the game-worn jerseys by visiting the auction tables located outside the Waddle In Shop. 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.
###
