(Waldorf, Md., Sept. 23, 2026) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 6-4 on Wednesday night in Game One of the Atlantic League Championship Series at Regency Furniture Stadium. The Ducks lead the best-of-five series one game to none.
The Ducks took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on Wilmer Difo’s RBI groundout to second base and Jacob Robson’s two-out RBI bunt single to third base off Blue Crabs starter Ian Kahaloa. Marcus Chiu’s RBI single up the middle in the sixth extended Long Island’s advantage to three.
Three more runs came home for the Ducks in the eighth, doubling the Flock’s lead to 6-0. RBI singles by Chiu and Alsander Womack plus a throwing error that plated Womack did the damage. Southern Maryland rallied for four runs in the ninth on RBI doubles from Phillip Sikes and Danny Bautista Jr. plus a two-run home run to left field by Jordan Thompson. However, Alejandro De Aza was caught stealing second for the final out of the ballgame with the tying run at the plate.
Ducks starter Tanner Jacobson did not factor into the decision but pitched four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out three. Jacob Asa (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless fifth inning in relief. Kahaloa (0-2) took the loss, giving up three runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks in five and one-third innings with two strikeouts. Ramon Santos picked up his third save of the postseason with a scoreless ninth, walking one and striking out one.
Chiu led the Ducks offense with two hits, two RBIs, a run and a walk. Womack added two hits, an RBI and two runs.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue the Atlantic League Championship Series with Game Two on Thursday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans can follow all the action on Dugout TV, powered by HomeTeam Network. Subscribe today by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander Anthony Escobar (2-0, 1.80 ERA | 1-0, 1.80 ERA) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Kyle Virbitsky (12-8, 4.41 ERA | 1-0, 4.50 ERA).
Long Island will host Southern Maryland in Game Three of the Atlantic League Championship Series on Friday, September 25. 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). Tickets for all Ducks playoff games, are now available and can be purchased by visiting the ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are entering their 26th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, have led all MLB Partner Leagues in total attendance for five consecutive seasons, and have sold out a record 730 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its third decade, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. Over its 27-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,450 players to MLB organizations while drawing nearly 50 million fans to its 10 state-of-the-art ballparks that stretch from New York to North Carolina. Follow the action on DugoutTV.org.
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