(Central Islip, N.Y., May 30, 2010) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 8-3 on Sunday afternoon before a past-capacity crowd of 6,014 at Suffolk County Sports Park.
The Ducks opened the scoring in the third against Blue Crabs’ starter Dan Reichert, when Johnny Hernandez smacked a leadoff home run over the right field wall. Long Island tacked on another run in the following inning as Dustan Mohr’s double to left scored Ray Navarrete, who began the frame with a single.
The offense didn’t stop there as the Ducks put together a two-out rally in the fifth. Following back-to-back singles by Billy Kovatch and Erick Monzon, Navarrete lined a two-run double into the right field corner to extend the lead to 4-0.
The Blue Crabs clawed their way back in the sixth against Ducks’ starter Joselo Diaz. Kody Kirkland singled with two outs and came around to score on an error, pulling the Crabs within three. Southern Maryland then scored twice more in the seventh, with RBI singles from Shaun Cumberland and Kirkland doing the damage.
Long Island got two runs right back in the bottom of the frame as Navarrete lined a two-run single to left, scoring Hernandez and Kovatch, who both singled, to put the Ducks ahead 6-3. The offensive onslaught continued in the eighth when Monzon lined a two-run base hit to center after Crabs’ reliever Joe Newby walked the bases loaded.
Diaz (3-1) earned the victory, tossing six and one-third innings, allowing just two hits and three unearned runs, while striking out five. Reichert (3-4) suffered the loss, lasting six and two-thirds innings, surrendering nine hits and six runs (five earned). Three relievers bridged the gap to Kane Davis, who pitched a scoreless ninth to end the game.
Long Island collected ten hits in the victory. Navarrete led the charge for the Flock with three hits while Hernandez, Kovatch, and Monzon each picked up two.
The Ducks hit the road for a seven-game road trip beginning on Monday against the Camden Riversharks. Game time is set for 4:05 p.m. at Campbell’s Field. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com with Casey Lynn calling the play-by-play.
Long Island returns to Suffolk County Sports Park on Tuesday, June 8th to welcome in the Riversharks for a three-game series. Game time is set for 6:35 p.m., with the Suffolk County Sports Park gates opening at 5:35 p.m. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks home games are available at the Suffolk County Sports Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.
Navarette on the RBI Record
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