(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 13, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 11-8 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Alejandro De Aza gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead in the first inning with a two-run home run to right field off Blue Crabs starter Alsis Herrera. The Blue Crabs closed to within a run in the third on Braxton Lee’s two-out RBI double to center off Ducks starter Joe Iorio. However, a five-run bottom of the third pushed Long Island’s lead to 7-1. A sac fly to right by Jose Sermo, a two-run single to left by Joe DeCarlo and a two-run homer to right by Tzu-Wei Lin did the damage.
Lin left the yard again in the fifth with a two-run homer to center field, stretching the lead to 9-1. A sac fly to left off the bat of Deibinson Romero in the sixth and a sac fly to right by Sermo in the eighth made it a 10-run game.
Southern Maryland rallied for seven runs in the ninth inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Michael Wielansky, RBI doubles by Michael Baca and Jared Walker, and an RBI single by Jack Sundberg. However, they could not pull even.
Iorio (11-5) earned the win, tossing six innings of one-run ball, allowing seven hits and two walks while striking out three. Herrera (1-4) suffered the loss, surrendering nine runs (four earned) on 11 hits and a walk over five innings with four strikeouts. Tyler Webb picked up his 14th save by recording the game’s final three outs.
Lin led the Flock offensively with three hits, four RBIs and two runs. De Aza and DeCarlo each chipped in with two hits, two RBIs and two runs as well, while Carlos Castro added three hits.
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). It’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Night, presented by Good Samaritan Hospital, and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Drawstring Bags. Fans attending the game will also have the opportunity to undergo free Prostate Cancer screenings, which will include a blood test and digital rectal exam. Additionally, Good Samaritan Hospital will be providing screenings for blood pressure and body mass index. It’s a Lemonade Stand at Main & Vine Wine Down Wednesday and a Waddle In Wednesday at the ballpark as well. Right-hander Scott Harkin (10-7, 4.55) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Alex Merithew (7-3, 3.77).
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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