CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — To help explain the Ducks lackluster start, the Ducks simply needed to peruse the expanded standings. When playing at Citibank Park, the Ducks played like a postseason caliber club. But when venturing away from Suffolk County, manager Dave LaPoint’s club posted a 16-27 mark.

Not surprisingly, the Ducks entered the first half far behind the Liberty Division standings. Yet that trend could be reversing itself at the right time. During the last road trip, the Ducks posted four wins in five games in Camden and Bridgeport.

Entering a 10-game homestand that commenced with two victories in three games over Lancaster, outfielder Kevin Haverbusch said improved road play is helping the team shoot up the standings. The Ducks entered last night tied for first place with Southern Maryland before the game against the Barnstormers was rained out. A Blue Crabs loss propelled the Flock to a half-game lead.

“On the last road trip, you started to see the wheels turn in motion and things to start to gel,” Haverbusch said. “Bullpen guys having rolls, guys are getting healthier and starters are going deeper. It just seems to being coming together at the right time.”

Just 39 games remain in the regular season. Continued success on the road will be the key towards making the postseason for the fifth consecutive season. Only 17 of those contests are at home. That leaves 22 on the road, including a season-ending seven-game road trip that runs though Camden and climaxes with a four-game set against Bridgeport.

There is some positive news from the schedule-makers. The Ducks will not have to travel to Southern Maryland any more, thereby avoiding the longest road trip in the Atlantic League. Instead, the Blue Crabs will venture to Citibank Park for a three-game set starting tonight and for another three games Aug. 26-28.

“It’s supposed to be an advantage being at home, but they have a good ballclub and they don’t ever quit,” LaPoint said. “So, we’re going to have play six hard-fought games to beat them.”

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