(Photo courtesy of Eric Wilcox)
(Waldorf, Md., July 19, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 12-7 on Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
The Ducks took an immediate 1-0 lead versus Blue Crabs starting pitcher Ian Kahaloa just two batters into the ballgame courtesy of a 400-foot home run over the left field wall produced by Ruben Tejada. Southern Maryland jumped out in front 2-1 in the home half of the second frame against Long Island starter Stephen Tarpley on a run-scoring single by Jack Sundberg and an RBI fielder’s choice from Michael Baca.
The Blue Crabs scored six more times in the third to take an 8-1 advantage, highlighted by two-run singles from Baca and Fox Semones, an RBI double from K.C. Hobson, and a run-scoring base hit from Ryan Haug. The Flock got to within 8-6 in the sixth thanks to an RBI double to the opposite-field in left by Alex Dickerson and a grand-slam home run to left center from Brantley Bell, the fourth grand slam hit by Long Island in 2023, all coming on the road. Southern Maryland added three runs in the home half of the sixth and one more in the eighth frame, while the visitors plated a run in the ninth on Alejandro De Aza’s base knock that drove in Brian Goodwin after he drew a walk with one away to extend his on-base streak to nine consecutive games overall.
Kahaloa (5-5) picked up the win, allowing six runs on six hits (two home runs) in seven innings pitched, walking three and striking out three. Tarpley (3-5) was tagged with the loss, surrendering a season-high 11 runs (six earned) on 12 hits (one home run) across five and two-thirds innings of work, walking one while striking out six.
Tejada reached base safely four times in five plate appearances, registering a single, home run, RBI and run scored while also drawing a walk and getting hit by a pitch.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs wrap up three-game series on Thursday evening. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander Matt Solter (4-3, 6.18) gets the nod for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Neil Uskali (4-4, 6.61).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, July 25, to open a three-game series against the Spire City Ghost Hounds. 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 a Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark! If the Ducks turn a triple play during 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 for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 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)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, 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. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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