(Central Islip, N.Y., July 24, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 19-16 on Sunday evening in the final game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
David Harris put the Blue Crabs on top early with a first inning three-run home run to left-center field off Ducks starter Akeel Morris. The Ducks answered right away in the bottom of the frame with two-run home runs by Alejandro De Aza to right and Deibinson Romero to left off Blue Crabs starter Eddie Butler to take a 4-3 lead. RBI singles by Sam Travis and Carlos Castro in the second extended the Ducks advantage to three.
The Blue Crabs closed to within 6-5 on an RBI double by Michael Wielansky in the third and a run-scoring groundout from Michael Baca in the fourth. A six-run fifth inning, highlighted by Zach Collier’s solo homer to right and Jack Sundberg’s grand slam to right, put Southern Maryland back on top 11-6.
Braxton Lee’s RBI groundout and Jared Walker’s two-run homer in the sixth along with Walker’s three-run homer in the eighth made it a 17-6 ballgame. Long Island stormed back for 10 runs in the eighth inning, closing the gap to one. L.J. Mazzilli’s solo homer and RBI single, an RBI double and a two-run homer by Joe DeCarlo, a two-run homer by Castro and a three-run double by Lew Ford highlighted the frame. However, another two-run homer by Harris in the ninth put the game out of reach.
Butler (8-2) picked up the win, tossing five innings, allowing six runs on 11 hits and four walks while striking out four. Morris (4-7) took the loss, yielding 10 runs on nine hits and three walks over four and two-thirds innings with two strikeouts.
Mazzilli led the Flock with four hits, two RBIs, three runs and a walk. Ford added three hits, three RBIs and four runs, while Castro chipped in with three hits, three RBIs and a run scored.
The Ducks continue their homestand on Tuesday night when they open a three-game series against the Staten Island FerryHawks in the “Battle of the Belt”. 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 Small Business Networking Night, presented by the LIA/Newsday, with special guests Debby Krenek, Publisher of Newsday, and Matt Cohen, President & CEO of the Long Island Association. It’s also a Triple Play Tuesday! 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. Right-hander Scott Harkin (6-6, 4.72) gets the start for the Ducks against FerryHawks righty Hector Guance (2-4, 8.10).
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. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com as well as on the Ducks official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8 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)
The Atlantic League is the first Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. The ALPB has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing 44 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. For more information, please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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