(Waldorf, MD., Apr. 29, 2018) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (1-2) fell in the series finale against the Long Island Ducks (2-1) 7-4, behind a five-run first inning from Long Island.

Long Island jumped on the board early, putting up five runs in the top of the first. Back-to-back singles began that game, before fielder’s choice put runners on the corners with one out. After Brandon Cumpton (0-1) picked up a strikeout, a single from David Washington allowed the first run of the game to score. A bases loaded walk scored the second, before Dan Lyons cleared the bases with a double to put Long Island ahead 5-0.

Joey Wong led off the bottom half of the first with a walk, with another walk and a fielder’s choice moving him up to third. Frank Martinez picked up an RBI as he got Wong across on a fielder’s choice of his own. The Ducks responded with a run of their own in the second, as a triple from Jordany Valdespin and a double from Travis Snider plated a run.

The Blue Crabs began the fight back by putting up three runs in the third. Singles from Andrew Daniel, Edwin Garcia, and Devon Rodriguez loaded the bases with one out. Another fielder’s choice from Martinez allowed Daniel to score while putting runners at the corners. A wild pitch advanced Martinez to second, setting up a two-RBI single from Johnny Bladel to cut the deficit to 6-4.

After a pair of scoreless inning from Cumpton, the Ducks were able to add another run to their lead. Snider and Lew Ford led off the inning with a pair of singles to get a man in scoring position. A single from Alec Sole scored Snider from third, before reliever Parker Frazier came in and finished the inning.

After a scoreless fifth inning from John Brownell (1-0), the bullpens took over for both sides. Both teams threatened in the eighth, as the Ducks loaded the bases in the top half of inning before Ryan Chaffee escaped the inning by forcing a groundball. Rodriguez doubled to lead-off the bottom half, advancing to third on a Bladel single. Vinnie Pestano (S,1) came on and picked up a strikeout and groundout to strand both inherited runners.

Pestano stayed in for the bottom of the ninth, allowing a lead-off single to Teodoro Martinez. The Ducks right-hander forced a popup for the first out, before a double play finished off the game and the series. The 7-4 victory secured the opening series win two games to one for Long Island.

The Blue Crabs return to action Tuesday, May 1st for the first game in a three-game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers. Southern Maryland will send RHP Alex Boshers to the mound, making his debut for Southern Maryland. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. on Tuesday at Regency Furniture Stadium.

For more information on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, or to reserve your seat today for any of the Blue Crabs upcoming home games, please visit our website at somdbluecrabs.com or call us at 301-638-9788.

About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

The Blue Crabs play 126 regular season games in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The Blue Crabs play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland with affordable family fun. The franchise will begin its 11th season in April 2018. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com for more information.

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.