Long Island plated 19 runs on 17 hits in blowout victory
(Photo courtesy of Bert Hindman)
(Waldorf, Md., June 5, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 19-3 on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
Southern Maryland struck first in the opening inning when Zach Collier scored from third base on a fielding error. Long Island tied the game in the top of the second on Clint Freeman’s RBI single to center field off Blue Crabs starter Brandon Barker.
The Ducks then erupted for four runs in the fourth to take a 5-1 lead. A sacrifice fly to left by Freeman and a two-out, three-run double to right-center by Steve Lombardozzi did the damage. Zach Collier’s leadoff solo homer to right in the fifth off Ducks starter Joe Iorio closed the gap to 5-2. However, two more runs in the sixth on Brock Stassi’s RBI single to second and Ryan Jackson’s RBI double to left increased the Long Island advantage to 7-2.
In the seventh, the Ducks offense exploded for eight more run to put the game out of reach. RBI singles by Johnni Turbo and Freeman, Stassi’s three-run double and Sal Giardina’s RBI double highlighted the inning. Two-run home runs by Jackson in the eighth and Turbo in the ninth rounded out the scoring.
Iorio (1-0) earned the win, tossing six innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on eight hits while striking out three. Barker (0-2) took the loss, surrendering five runs (one earned) on seven hits and two walks over five innings with five strikeouts.
Lombardozzi led the Flock offensively with four hits, four RBIs and three runs scored. Jackson added three hits, three RBIs and three runs, Giardina finished with three hits and three runs, and Freeman drove in three runs.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs wrap up their three-game set on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans 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 as well as the Ducks official Facebook and YouTube accounts. Right-hander Vin Mazzaro (0-0, 2.45) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Austin Glorius (0-0, 1.93).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, June 8, to begin a three-game series against the High Point Rockers. 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). The first 750 fans in attendance will receive a 2019 Atlantic League Champions Poster. It’s also the first Triple Play Tuesday of the season! If the Ducks turn a triple play in the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by calling (631) 940-TIXX or by CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. 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 Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing 42 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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