Bullpen Spins Six Scoreless but Ducks Drop Series Finale

(Central Islip, N.Y., May 7, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 8-2 on Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.

The Blue Crabs (9-8) got off to a quick start, scoring four runs in the first inning against Ducks starter Matt Larkins. The first six batters of the game all reached on singles, but the righty was able to settle down and retire the next three batters without further damage.

Long Island (8-9) got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second when Nolan Reimold blasted a solo home run to left field off Southern Maryland starter Justin De Fratus to cut the deficit to 4-1.

Southern Maryland added to their lead in the top of the fourth, plating another four runs. A two-run single from Michael Snyder and RBI singles from Cory Vaughn and Patrick Palmeiro did the damage. In the ninth, Giovanny Alfonzo brought home Cody Puckett with a sacrifice fly to narrow the gap to 8-2, but the Ducks could not muster anything else against reliever Jesse Beal.

De Fratus (3-1) lasted five innings to earn the win, allowing just one run on four hits, walking one and striking out one. Larkins (0-1) suffered the loss, yielding eight runs on 10 hits and two walks in three innings. Tyler Wilson (three innings), Patrick Crider, Amalio Diaz, and Rob Rogers (one inning each) combined out of the Ducks bullpen to hold the Blue Crabs scoreless over the final six innings.

Reimold had the best day at the plate for Long Island, finishing 2-for-4 with a home run and a double. Ducks pitching struck out 11 batters, recording double digits in strikeouts for the third straight game of the series.

The Ducks start a three-game series with the York Revolution on Monday 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 the first Military Monday of the season, and active military members with a valid military ID will receive a special $7 ticket offer when purchasing tickets at the Bethpage Ballpark box office (subject to availability). Left-hander Rafael Perez (1-0, 5.65) takes the mound for the Ducks, while the Revolution counter with southpaw Frank Gailey (2-1, 3.00).

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 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.

###

About the Author

Get connected with us on Social Media