(Central Islip, N.Y., May 26, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 5-4 on Friday night in the opener of a four-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Sam Travis put the Ducks in front early with a first inning three-run home run to left-center field off Blue Crabs starter Jared Burch. Ian Yetsko’s RBI double to right off Ducks starter Joe Iorio in the second closed the gap to 3-1, but Boog Powell’s solo homer to right in the bottom of the inning pushed Long Island’s lead back up to four.
Southern Maryland tied it at four with two runs in the third and one in the fourth on sac flies from Michael Wielansky and Michael Baca plus a solo homer to right by K.C. Hobson. A solo homer to left by Wielansky in the fifth put the Blue Crabs in front 5-4.
Burch (3-2) collected the win despite allowing four runs on six hits and seven walks over five innings while striking out five. Iorio (2-3) took the loss, giving up five runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings with two strikeouts. Andre Scrubb picked up his sixth save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
Daniel Murphy led the Ducks offense with two hits and a run scored.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their four-game set on Saturday with a day/night doubleheader. Game time for the opener is slated for 1:35 p.m., with the ballpark gates opening at 12:35 (12:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s Bark in the Park, presented by Total Pet Care and Natural Balance, and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Pet Can Lids. Fans will be permitted to bring their dog to the ballgame with them.
Game two is scheduled to begin at 6:35 p.m., with the ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, which will light the sky over the center field fence. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport. During the game, the Ducks will be selecting a lucky fan in the ballpark, who will win two roundtrips on Breeze Airways to any of their six non-stop destinations from Long Island MacArthur Airport. Tickets for both games, 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 twin bill 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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