On Thursday Night, April 23, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs opened up there second season in the Atlantic League by welcoming the Long Island Ducks to Regency Furniture Stadium. While fans in attendance were witness to a post game fireworks display, the true explosion was during the game. This explosion was courtesy of the bat of Ducks DH Preston Wilson.
The nine year Major League veteran ( All-Star in 2003 for the Colorado Rockies ) went 3 for 3, and hit a solo Homerun in the top of the third inning. Wilson fell a triple shy of hitting for the cycle in his debut for Long Island. He was not the only Duck who started their season in a big way. Ron Davenport and Johnny Hernandez each contributed with two RBI’s to go along with Wilson’s two, and one by Nick Priete.
The Blue Crabs played catch-up the entire game, and just couldn’t pull one out in the end. Their offense was led by Travis Garcia’s two RBI’s, and a solo Homerun from crowd favorite Pat Osborn. Designated Hitter James Shanks also added an RBI for the home team.
In the end the Ducks were the better team, prevailing with a 7-4 win. The winning pitcher was Brad Halsey, who went 5 innings gave up 6 hits with 2 strikeouts and 4 walks. The reigning Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year Joe Gannon picked up the loss for the Blue Crabs. Gannon pitched 4 1/3 innings, during which he gave up 8 hits, struck out 6, and walked 3. Long Islands Bill Simas was credited with the save.
Although the season did not start the way the home team had hoped they can get by knowing that it’s only one game in a long season. There’s a lot of Baseball left to play, and there are going to be many more losses, but there are going to be many wins as well.
