Downs and Nolin combine for nine scoreless innings and nine strikeouts
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 9, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 1-0 in waddle-off fashion on Thursday night in the finale of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Both starters were brilliant in the ballgame. Ducks starter Darin Downs tossed six scoreless innings, allowing just two singles and no walks while striking out five. Blue Crabs starter Brandon Cumpton gave up no runs in seven innings, yielding only three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts.
Neither side was able to dent home plate until the bottom of the ninth inning. Kirk Nieuwenhuis led off the ninth inning with a double to right-center field, went to third base on a throwing error and scored on a two-out wild pitch by reliever Ryan Chaffee.
Ducks reliever Sean Nolin (1-0) earned the win, pitching three scoreless innings in relief, giving up just one hit while striking out four. Chaffee (0-1) took the loss, allowing the winning run on one hit and one walk with two strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning.
Long Island’s pitching staff faced just one batter over the minimum in the ballgame. Steve Lombardozzi, David Washington and Ramon Cabrera each collected a hit and a walk.
The Ducks hit the road on Friday to open a three-game series against the Sugar Land Skeeters. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT (8:05 p.m. EDT) at Constellation Field. 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) gets the start for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Dallas Beeler (2-0, 3.60).
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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