(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 8, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 3-2 in waddle-off fashion on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Long Island broke a scoreless deadlock in the bottom of the fourth inning on Sam Travis’ sacrifice fly to right field off Blue Crabs starter McKenzie Mills. The Ducks doubled the lead to two in the fifth when Jonathan Guzman scored from third on a double play ball.
It stayed that way until the ninth when Southern Maryland rallied to tie the game on Alex Crosby’s two-out, two-run single to right. However, Long Island rallied to win it in the bottom of the ninth when Boog Powell’s sac fly to left scored pinch runner Trent Taylor.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Ducks starter Joe Iorio tossed six scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out a career-high 10 batters. Mills threw eight innings of two-run ball, yielding five hits and six walks with one strikeout. Kevin Quackenbush (6-2) got the win despite allowing two runs on three hits and a walk in one inning. AJ Alexy (0-1) took the loss, conceding the winning run on two walks in one-third of an inning.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their three-game set on Wednesday night. 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). The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Yellow & Navy Baseballs, courtesy of Yellow Dog Lawn Care. It’s also a Waddle In Wednesday, and fans will be able to enjoy $25 off all replica Papas Playas jerseys (adult and youth) at the Waddle In Shop throughout the ballgame. Left-hander Kyle Lobstein (2-3, 4.44) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Liam O’Sullivan (8-3, 4.84).
Tickets to the game, and all home 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 live on Flo Baseball by 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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