(Waldorf, Md., Aug. 11, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks won their eighth straight game on Friday night at Regency Furniture Stadium, defeating the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 8-4 in a rain-shortened eight-inning affair.
The Ducks (19-15; 55-49) took an early lead, scoring twice in the top of the first inning against Blue Crabs starter Drew Hayes. Marc Krauss grounded into a fielder’s choice to score Quintin Berry with the first run of the game, and scored on an Angelo Songco double to give Long Island a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the second, the Ducks rallied for four runs on five hits against Hayes (6-6), including a two-run double from Krauss and another RBI double off the bat of Songco to extend a 6-0 advantage. Krauss finished the game 2-for-4 with a double and four RBIs.
Southern Maryland (13-21; 51-51) got on the board in the bottom of the second against Rafael Perez with a Tucker Nathans sacrifice fly making it 6-1 Ducks. Long Island tacked on runs in the fourth and sixth innings, while the Blue Crabs added runs in the fourth, sixth and seventh.
In the top of the ninth, Cody Hebner walked pinch hitter Derek Pyles leading off. Heavy rains then began and the tarp was called for and the game was called after an 32-minute delay.
Perez (8-7) got the win, allowing four runs on nine hits in seven innings, walking one and striking out two. Rob Rogers added a scoreless inning of relief.
The Ducks set a new franchise record by pounding out nine doubles, surpassing the previous mark of eight set on May 31, 2013 at York. Songco and Audie Afenir had two two-baggers each, while five other Ducks had one. Eight out of the nine Long Island batters in the starting lineup had at least one hit.
The Ducks continue their four-game series against the Blue Crabs on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans can follow all the action 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. Right-hander Jake Dunning (0-0, 1.68) gets the start for the Ducks against Blue Crabs lefty David Russo (0-1, 4.83).
Long Island returns home on Friday, August 18 to open up a three-game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers. 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). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Drawstring Bags, courtesy of Fairfield Properties. It’s also a Fowl Pole Friday, and if a select Ducks player hits a home run off one of the foul poles during the game, one lucky fan will win $50,000. In addition, a Barnstormers player will be selected as the Pizza Hut K-Man of the game. If that player strikes out, fans will receive a special offer for a FREE 1-Topping Personal Pan Pizza at a participating Pizza Hut location. 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.
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 37 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.