(Central Islip, N.Y., June 14, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 5-4 in 11 innings on Thursday night in the finale of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
The Blue Crabs took a 2-0 lead with single runs in the second and third innings on a solo home run to right-center field by Frank Martinez and a sacrifice fly to right off the bat of Teodoro Martinez. The Ducks closed to within one in the fifth on Travis Snider’s mammoth solo home run to right.
A pair of two-out unearned runs in the seventh pushed Southern Maryland’s lead up to 4-1. However, Long Island stormed back to tie the game at four with two runs in the eighth and another in the ninth. Jordany Valdespin’s two-out, two-run triple down the right field line and Cody Puckett’s two-out RBI double to right did the damage.
It stayed that way until the 11th when a pinch-hit RBI single to left by Jon Griffin put the Blue Crabs ahead for good, 5-4.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Jair Jurrjens pitched seven innings for the Ducks, allowing four runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out five. Casey Delgado lasted five innings for the Blue Crabs, yielding one run on four hits and five walks. Craig Stem (1-3) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, yielding one hit while striking out two. Carlos Pimentel (0-2) took the loss, surrendering a run on two hits and a walk in one inning.
Snider, Puckett and Taylor Ard each had two hits to lead the Flock.
The Ducks continue their homestand on Friday night when they open 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 Baseball T-Shirts, courtesy of Petro Home Services. It’s also a Bowlero Friday, and as fans exit the ballpark following the game, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for a special “buy one game of bowling, get one free” offer, courtesy of Bowlero. The Red Robin K-Man promotion will be taking place as well, and a player on the Barnstormers will be designated as the K-Man for the game. If he strikes out, all fans in a lucky section will win a “buy one entree, get one half off” discount, courtesy of Red Robin. Right-hander John Brownell (3-4, 4.60) gets the start for the Ducks against Barnstormers righty Brooks Hall (2-2, 4.59).
Tickets to the game, and all 2018 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 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 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 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.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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