(Photo courtesy of Eric Wilcox)
(Waldorf, Md., July 18, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 4-0 on Tuesday evening in the opener of a three-game midweek series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
As the game progressed, the focus began to shift to Long Island’s starting pitcher Robert Stock, who after issuing a leadoff walk to Michael Baca in the third, proceeded to then retire 14 consecutive Southern Maryland batters while not allowing a hit through seven innings of work. After a free pass was issued to K.C. Hobson to begin the eighth, the right-hander followed that up by retiring the next three Blue Crabs in succession and was one inning away from history.
In the bottom of the ninth with one out, Matt Hibbert was hit by a pitch and Khalil Lee walked. In stepped David Harris, and Stock induced the cleanup batter and designated hitter to bounce into a game-ending 4-6-3 double play as Stock finished the ballgame erasing 23 of the final 28 Southern Maryland men he faced. He was mobbed by his teammates in front of the pitcher’s mound, as he became just the second pitcher in the Long Island Ducks 23-year franchise history in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball to record a no-hitter, joining Rod Henderson who accomplished the feat back in 2001 on Long Island against the Atlantic City Surf.
Long Island took a 3-0 lead against Southern Maryland starting pitcher Tony Dibrell in the top half of the first inning thanks to an RBI double to the wall in left center field produced by Alejandro De Aza that plated Ruben Tejada after he was hit by a pitch with one man down, and a two-run home run over the left field fence off the bat of Sam Travis. The Ducks made it 4-0 in their favor in the fifth as Boog Powell plated Brantley Bell with a sacrifice fly to right after Bell led off the frame with a walk.
The victorious Stock (5-1) fired the first complete game of the season for the Flock, tossing nine innings of no-hit baseball, walking three while striking out six. Dibrell (1-2) was tagged with the loss, surrendering four runs on four hits (one home run) across six and two-thirds innings pitched, walking three and striking out seven.
Travis led the way offensively with three hits to extend his on-base streak to 19 consecutive contests, including a double, home run, two RBI’s and a run scored.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their three-game set on Wednesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Left-hander Stephen Tarpley (3-4, 4.92) toes the rubber for the Flock against Blue Crabs righty Ian Kahaloa (4-5, 3.71).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, July 25, to open a three-game series against the Spire City Ghost Hounds. 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). It’s a Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, 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. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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