Ninth inning RBI single caps comeback from three-run deficit
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 7, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 6-5 in walk-off fashion on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Steve Lombardozzi gave the Ducks an early 1-0 lead with a solo home run to right field in the first inning off Blue Crabs starter Daryl Thompson. Southern Maryland tied the game in the third on a sacrifice fly to right by Craig Maddox.
Long Island took the lead back in the fourth on an RBI single through a drawn-in infield by L.J. Mazzilli. However, Rubi Silva’s solo homer to left in the fifth off Ducks starter Bennett Parry evened the score at two.
The Blue Crabs took a 5-2 lead in the sixth with three unearned runs. Matt Dean and Edwin Garcia scored on a throwing error, and Silva followed with an RBI single that plate Angelys Nina. The Ducks answered back with three runs of their own in the eighth to tie the game at five. An RBI single to left by Lew Ford and bases loaded walks to David Washington and Mazzilli did the damage. Kirk Nieuwenhuis then won the game in the bottom of the ninth with a bases loaded RBI single to right-center.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Parry lasted five and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs (two earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out eight. Thompson pitched seven innings, yielding three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Enrique Burgos (2-0) picked up the win after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, striking out two. Mat Latos (0-2) took the loss, giving up the winning run on two hits and two walks in the ninth.
Lombardozzi, Nieuwenhuis and Rey Fuentes each had two hits to lead the Flock. Lombardozzi added two runs and two walks, while Mazzilli drove in two runs and walked twice.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their three-game set on Wednesday night. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s a Weekend Wednesday at the ballpark! All fans will be invited to enjoy the normally-exclusive Duck Club restaurant and bar on the club level. The Duck Club will also feature half-price wings and half-price domestic draft beers throughout the game, while those visiting the concession stands on the main concourse will also be able to take advantage of both food and drink specials. Right-hander Tim Adleman (1-0, 1.50) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Craig Stem (1-0, 0.00).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the 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 video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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