(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 12, 2026) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 8-2 on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series before a past-capacity of 7,157 at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The Ducks struck first in the third inning when Chris Roller’s sacrifice fly to center field plated Aaron Antonini, who had reached on a double. Long Island plated three more runs in the fourth, highlighted by Henry Kusiak’s leadoff solo homer to left-center and Aaron Antonini’s two-out, two-run double to right, stretching their lead to 4-0.
Southern Maryland got on the scoreboard in the fifth courtesy of a two-out RBI double to right field off the bat of Brody Fahr. However, the Ducks responded with three two-out runs in the bottom of the inning on Anthony Garcia’s RBI single to left and Jorge Bonifacio’s two-run homer to left, pushing their advantage to 7-1. Bonifacio’s homer was his 29th of the season, tying him with Carl Everett (2008) for the most home runs ever by a Ducks player in a single season.
Long Island plated their eighth run in the seventh when Wilmer Difo stole second base and Gavin Collins scored from third on a throwing error by Ryan McCarthy. The Blue Crabs pushed across a run in the ninth on Fahr’s RBI single through the right side. However, they left the bases loaded and could not inch closer.
Ducks starter Anthony Escobar (2-0) earned the win, tossing five innings of one-run ball, allowing five hits while striking out two. Greg Minier (1-4) took the loss, conceding an unearned run on two hits in three innings with two strikeouts.
Antonini led the Ducks offense with three hits, two RBIs and a run. Bonifacio added two hits, two Rbis, two runs and a walk, while Garcia chipped in with two hits, an RBI and two runs.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs wrap up their three-game set and the 2026 regular season on Sunday afternoon. Game time is slated for 1:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 12:35 (12:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s Fan Appreciation Day at the ballpark and a FourLeaf Family Funday Sunday, including a pregame Catch on the Field and postgame Kids Run the Bases (weather permitting). Right-hander Michael Dominguez (6-5, 5.97) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Eduardo Rivera (0-1, 3.86).
Tickets to the game and all Ducks games are now available and can be purchased by visiting the ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action on Dugout TV, powered by HomeTeam Network. Subscribe today by CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are entering their 26th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, have led all MLB Partner Leagues in total attendance for five consecutive seasons, and have sold out a record 730 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its third decade, 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. Over its 27-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,450 players to MLB organizations while drawing nearly 50 million fans to its 10 state-of-the-art ballparks that stretch from New York to North Carolina. Follow the action on DugoutTV.org.
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