(Central Islip, N.Y., May 5, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 2-1 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Cody Puckett put the Ducks on top in the bottom of the second inning with a solo home run over the left field wall off Blue Crabs starter Brian Grening. Southern Maryland tied the game in the third on an RBI single to center by Gary Brown off Ducks starter Tim Melville. A two-out RBI single to left by Michael Snyder in the fifth put the Blue Crabs ahead 2-1.
Grening (1-0) earned the win, pitching seven innings of one-run ball, allowing just four hits while striking out five. Melville (0-2) suffered the hard luck loss, yielding two runs on five hits and three walks in six innings with five strikeouts. Cody Eppley collected his fifth save with a scoreless ninth. Amalio Diaz, Eric Gagne and David Aardsma combined to pitch three perfect innings of relief for the Ducks, striking out seven batters.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their three-game set on Saturday 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular. In addition, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at Dick’s Sporting Goods as fans exit the ballpark following the fireworks show. Right-hander John Brownell takes the mound for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Gaby Hernandez.
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action online on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on the Ducks’ official Facebook page, YouTube channel and at LIDucks.com.
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)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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