(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 11, 2026) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 4-3 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Long Island took a 1-0 lead two batters into the first inning on Henry Kusiak’s RBI double to right-center field off Blue Crabs starter Kyle Virbitsky. Southern Maryland tied the game at one in the second on Ethan Wilson’s sacrifice fly to center off Ducks starter Nick Margevicius. However, the Ducks took the lead back in the bottom of the inning on Chris Roller’s solo home run to left-center and a sac fly to center off the bat of Gavin Collins.
René Pinto launched a solo homer of his own 406 feet to center field in the third, pushing Long Island’s advantage to 4-1. Southern Maryland closed the gap to one with single runs in the seventh and eighth innings on Jordan Thompson’s RBI single to left and Jackson Loftin’s solo homer to center. However, Ramon Santos stranded the tying and go-ahead runs on base in the eighth before retiring the side in order in the ninth to preserve the win.
Margevicius (6-2) earned the win, tossing seven innings of two-run ball, allowing six hits while striking out seven batters. Virbitsky (12-8) took the loss, conceding four runs on six hits and three walks in four innings with four strikeouts. Santos collected his 13th save after retiring all four batters he faced, striking out two.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their three-game set on Saturday 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 will be Breast Cancer Awareness Night at the ballpark, and the Ducks will be wearing commemorative pink jersey during the game. Fans can bid on these game-worn jerseys via the LiveSource Mobile App or by CLICKING HERE through Saturday at 10:00 p.m. Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Uncle Giuseppe’s. It will also be a Long Island MacArthur Airport Lucky Seat Saturday at the ballpark. Right-hander Anthony Escobar (1-0, 1.80) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs lefty Greg Minier (1-3, 5.54).
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 729 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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