(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 29, 2009) – The 2009 season came to an end for Long Island on Tuesday night, as the Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 7-5, in Game Five of the Liberty Division playoffs. The win gave the Blue Crabs a 3-2 series win and a berth in the Atlantic League Championship Series.
The Crabs jumped on top early with three runs in the top of the first inning off Ducks’ starter Troy Cate. Patrick Osborn’s RBI sacrifice fly and Michael Tucker’s two-run homer did the damage. Four more runs in the fourth helped Southern Maryland extend their lead to 7-0. RBI doubles by John Ramistella and Mike Just highlighted the inning.
Long Island inched closer with a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth off Crabs’ starter John Halama. Johnny Hernandez’ RBI single in the fourth and two errors in the fifth pushed the score to 7-3.
The Ducks rallied in the ninth, plating two runs on a Ray Navarrete single and brought the winning run to the plate in Raul Gonzalez. With Franklin Gracesqui summoned from the bullpen, the lefty struck out Gonzalez and nailed down the save.
John Halama (2-0) picked up the win, firing seven and two-thirds innings, yielding one earned run, while punching out eight. Cate (0-2) suffered the loss surrendering seven runs in three and one-third innings.
The loss ends another successful season for the Long Island Ducks. The Flock once again enjoyed the best attendance in the league, with an average of 6,014 fans packing 6,002-seat Citibank Park each night. The Ducks finished with an overall record of 74-66, and went 40-30 on their home field. Long Island clinched the second half Liberty Division title, becoming the only team in Atlantic League history to qualify for the playoffs six years in a row.
The Long Island Ducks will be back in 2010, ready to bring the fans and families of Long Island the best, most affordable summer family entertainment around. The Ducks sincerely thank each and every fan for their support this season, and look forward to sharing another great season next year. Stay tuned to www.liducks.com throughout the off-season for all the latest news from Citibank Park, including community appearances and 20010 ticket plans.