CENTRAL ISLIP, N Y – The Southern Maryland vBlue Crabs received solid pitching by everyone involved Sunday afternoon, May 15 and were finally able to defeat the Long Island Ducks for the first time this season by the final of 5-3.
LHP Brian Burres got the start and went 6.1 innings, while striking out five. Righty Justin Berg picked up the win, going an inning and two thirds, while Cody Eppley picked up his second save of the year. Southern Maryland received solid contributions offensively today from Angel Flores, who drove in two runs, while Zach Wilson, Jamar Walton, and Bryant Nelson each contributed RBIs on the afternoon. Wilson meanwhile has now hit safely in nine straight games, and has hit at least one double in eight consecutive contests.
Southern Maryland got on the board first in the top of the third with two runs scored on Zach Wilson’s double, and a Jamar Walton single. With the Ducks down 2-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh, a pass ball allowed Mike Blanke to score. Later in the inning, Fehlandt Lentini scored on an error committed by Steve Lombardozzi to put the Ducks out in front 3-2.
The Blue Crabs stormed back in the top of the eighth with three runs pushed across. Southern Maryland loaded the bases, with Bryant Nelson at the plate. Nelson walked and to drive in Steve Lombardozzi. A batter later Angel Flores singled in two runs to bring the score to 5-3.
RHP Cody Eppley retired the side in order in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory for Southern Maryland. The Blue Crabs will return home for a seven game homestand beginning on Tuesday at Regency Furniture Stadium. Atlantic League newcomer the New Britain Bees will visit Waldorf for a four game series in three days. The first pitch for Tuesday is set for 7:05 P.M.