Crabs Late Rally Falls Just Short in 6-4 Loss to Ducks

Four runs in ninth inning not enough in Game One of ALPB Championship Series

W: Jacob Asa (1-0)

L: Ian Kahaloa (0-2)

SV: Ramon Santos (3)

WALDORF, MD – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (1-0, 73-53) could not get going at the plate in a 6-4 loss to the Long Island Ducks (1-0, 80-46) in Game One of the Atlantic League Championship Series. The Crabs were held scoreless with just four hits until they showed some life with four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.

With both pitchers settling into a groove early, an error helped the Ducks score first in the top of the third inning. An error and walk put two men on, then they scored on a Wilmer Difo RBI groundout and Jacob Robson RBI single to give Long Island a 2-0 lead.

Long Island starting pitcher Tanner Jacobson was tasked with going four innings, and he was able to do so without allowing a run. In his workload, he allowed just two hits and a walk with three strikeouts.

The Ducks added to their lead in the top of the sixth inning. After back-to-back walks to start the inning, Marcus Chiu hit an RBI single to stretch Long Island’s advantage to 3-0.

Blue Crabs starting pitcher Ian Kahaloa was strong despite a lack of run support. Over 5.1 innings, he allowed three runs, one earned, on three hits and four walks with two strikeouts.

Long Island gained some serious breathing room in the eighth inning. Chiu and Alsander Womack both had RBI singles before another error by Thompson allowed three runs to score against Southern Maryland relief pitcher Conner Floyd to push the Ducks’ lead to 6-0.

The Ducks’ bullpen entered the game with 11.0 consecutive scoreless innings and they extended it to 14.0 innings until the bottom of the ninth inning. The Blue Crabs started the inning with three consecutive doubles against Long Island relief pitcher Ryan Langford, including RBIs from Phillip Sikes and Danny Bautista Jr. Jordan Thompson then followed with a two-run home run to left field, his first homer of the postseason, to put the Crabs within two runs at 6-4 before an out was recorded in the inning. 

Long Island relief pitcher Ramon Santos then entered out of the bullpen. He issued a two-out walk to Alejandro De Aza, but he was later caught stealing to finish a 6-4 win for the Ducks.

The Blue Crabs continue the Atlantic League Championship Series against the Long Island Ducks with Game Two on Thursday, September 25. First pitch from Regency Furniture Stadium is at 3:05 pm. To purchase tickets, click here.

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have been proud members of the Atlantic League since 2008, the fourth-longest tenured team in the league. With a proud tradition of success on and off the field, many players have found a home while playing in front of Crustacean Nation, the nickname for the Blue Crabs’ avid fanbase. A host of former Major Leaguers have played for the Blue Crabs, including Chien-Ming Wang, Pat Mahomes Sr., and team legend Daryl Thompson. Many players have also made it to the Major Leagues after playing with Southern Maryland, including Isaac Mattson of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 2026 marks the 18th season of Blue Crabs baseball at Regency Furniture Stadium, where Clawsome Times Await.