Downs strikes out 11; Ducks pitchers fan 17 batters in 3-2 victory
(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 26, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 3-2 on Monday night in the opener of a four-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
The Blue Crabs took a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Travis Witherspoon laid down a bunt single, and both Jon Griffin and Rubi Silva came around to score on a throwing error.
It stayed that way until the bottom of the sixth. Vladimir Frias drew a walk, stole second base, moved to third on a throwing error and scored on a dropped throw to close the gap to 2-1.
One inning later, Long Island took the lead. Back-to-back doubles by Hector Sanchez and Deibinson Romero tied the game, and John Apostolo’s two-out RBI single through the left side put the Flock on top.
Ducks starter Darin Downs did not factor into the decision but tossed six innings, allowing two unearned runs on four hits and a walk while striking out a season-high 11 batters. Zack Weiss (4-1) picked up the win after pitching one and two-thirds scoreless innings of relief, yielding two hits while striking out two. Blue Crabs starter Dusten Knight (1-4) took the loss, surrendering three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk over seven innings with five strikeouts. Pedro Beato earned his fifth save of the year, striking out all four batters he faced in relief.
Romero led the Flock offensively with two hits, an RBI and a run scored. Long Island’s pitching staff combined to strike out a season-high 17 batters in the game.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their four-game set on Tuesday night. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s Irish Heritage Night at the ballpark, presented by Shandon Court! The Ducks will be wearing special Irish-themed jerseys during the course of the game, and fans will be able to bid on these game-worn uniforms by visiting the auction tables located outside the Waddle In Shop. Right-hander Seth Simmons (6-8, 4.47) takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Kyle Simon (4-9, 5.74).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the 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 video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
###
