Ducks Unable to Surmount Early Deficit Against Blue Crabs

(Waldorf, Md., July 28, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 6-3 on Saturday night in the second game of a three-game series at Regency Furniture Stadium.

GAME VIDEO: Check out highlights from tonight’s game!

The Blue Crabs opened the scoring in the first inning for the second straight night when Devon Rodriguez drove home Ryan Strausborger with a sacrifice fly. Southern Maryland tacked on two more runs in the fourth off a Rodriguez solo shot and an RBI double by Angelo Songco.

Long Island cut into the lead in the top of the fifth inning when Cody Puckett doubled off the left-field wall to drive home home Daniel Fields. The Blue Crabs extended their lead to five with a three-run eighth inning. A two-run single by Edwin Garcia and a run-scoring wild pitch did the damage.

David Washington delivered his team-leading 12th home run of the season in the top of the eighth inning with a man on to cut the deficit to 6-3. That was as close as the Ducks would get, however, with Cody Eppley converting the save in a one-two-three ninth inning.

Matt Larkins (5-3) suffered the loss, lasting six innings and allowing three runs on six hits. Starter Paul Clemens went four and one-third innings for the Blue Crabs before getting ejected from the ballgame for arguing a call at first base. He left the game with one run allowed on five hits and one walk, striking out five. Tommy Shirley (4-2) earned the win for the Blue Crabs, pitching one and two-thirds innings of relief following Clemens’ ejection, striking out two. Eppley tallied his ninth save after retiring the side in order in the ninth inning.

Washington, Ramon Cabrera, and Emilio Bonifacio all had two hits to pace the Flock.

The Ducks finish off their series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at 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. Left-hander Hector Silvestre (0-0, 13.50) gets the start for the Ducks in the series finale against Blue Crabs righty Casey Delgado (4-6, 4.47).

Long Island returns home on Monday, July 30, to open a three-game series against the Somerset Patriots. 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 Suffolk County Boy Scouts Night, presented by BNB Bank, and the first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks T-Shirts. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX, CLICKING HERE or downloading the Ducks mobile app.

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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