Long Island totals eight runs, all in the first four innings, on 14 hits
(Waldorf, Md., Aug. 5, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 8-5 on Monday night in the opener of a four-game series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
The Ducks took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on Lew Ford’s RBI single to left field and Hector Sanchez’ sacrifice fly to center off Blue Crabs starter Tommy Thorpe. Clint Freeman singled and later scored on a wild pitch in the second, increasing the lead to three.
After Cory Vaughn hit a solo homer to left-center in the second off Ducks starter Pedro Beato, Long Island responded with a three-run third to take a 6-1 lead. RBI singles by Sanchez and Vladimir Frias highlighted the frame. Dean Green plated a run with a double in the bottom of the third. However, two more runs came home for the Ducks in the fourth on L.J. Mazzilli’s RBI double and a throwing error that scored Mazzilli.
Southern Maryland closed the gap to 8-5 with a three-spot in the bottom of the fourth. A run-scoring groundout from Josh McAdams and a two-run double to right by Edwin Garcia did the damage, but the Ducks pitching staff would retire the final 16 Blue Crabs batters that came to the plate to secure the win.
Beato (1-2) collected the win, tossing five innings, allowing five runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out seven. Thorpe (2-4) suffered the loss, surrendering six runs (five earned) on eight hits and a walk over two and two-thirds innings. Michael Tonkin recorded his sixth save of the year with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
Mazzilli led the Flock with three hits, an RBI and three runs scored. Ford and D’Arby Myers each added three hits as well. Brandon Beachy made his Ducks debut on the mound and threw three perfect innings of relief, striking out four.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their four-game set on Tuesday 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 video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel. Left-hander Darin Downs (3-2, 2.86) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Dusten Knight (0-2, 7.36).
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.
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