Ducks Earn Opening Day Win in Southern Maryland
April 21, 2017 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
Waldorf, Md- The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 7-1 on Thursday night in the opening game of the 2017 season and the first game of a four-game series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
Long Island scored the game's first run on a two-out RBI single to left field by Nate Freiman in the first inning. Delta Cleary Jr. delivered a two-out RBI single of his own to right-center in the fourth off Blue Crabs starter Justin De Fratus, doubling the lead to two.
Southern Maryland closed to within 2-1 in their half of the fourth on a sacrifice fly to left off the bat of Zach Cone. It stayed that way until the seventh when Cody Puckett was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, scoring Cleary Jr. to restore Long Island's two-run advantage.
The Ducks broke the game open with a four-run eighth inning following a 46-minute rain delay. Fehlandt Lentini's RBI single, a balk, a sacrifice fly from Marc Krauss and a throwing error accounted for the damage.
Ducks starter John Brownell (1-0) earned the win, pitching five innings of one-run ball, allowing five hits and a walk while striking out five. De Fratus (0-1) took the loss, giving up two unearned runs on nine hits in six innings with five strikeouts. Four Ducks relievers combined to allow just three hits and three walks while striking out three in four scoreless innings.
Every Ducks batter reached base in the game.
Krauss and Elmer Reyes each had three hits to lead the Flock. Cleary Jr.
chipped in with two hits, a run batted in, two runs scored and two stolen bases.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their four-game set on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans can follow all the action online, with live HD streaming video and audio on the Ducks' official Facebook page and YouTube channel and at LIDucks.com. Left-hander Rafael Perez gets the start for the Ducks against Blue Crabs southpaw Pat Misch.
Long Island will return home on Friday, April 28 for the 2017 home opener against the New Britain Bees. 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 Rich Hill Bobbleheads, courtesy of P.C. Richard and Son. Fans are also encouraged to arrive early for player introductions along with traditional Opening Night pomp and circumstance. 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 .
Atlantic League Stories from April 21, 2017
- Preview - Bees Open 2017 Season against York - New Britain Bees
- Skeeters Defeat Bluefish on Opening Night - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Sugar Land Hold off Bluefish in Season Opener - Sugar Land Space Cowboys
- Ducks Earn Opening Day Win in Southern Maryland - Long Island Ducks
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