Absolutely Sweet Macias

It was the complete opposite of last night's game.

The Camden Riversharks scored eight runs on fourteen hits, and despite a Long Island rally, held on to beat the Ducks 8-5 tonight at Campbell's Field.

Perhaps frustrated with the lack of runs in last night's 1-0 pitcher's duel, the baseball gods smiled early and often on both teams. The Ducks scored first when Brandon Sing's RBI single scored Craig Binick in the top of the first to make it 1-0.

But the Riversharks had Long Island starter Bob Zimmermann's number. They answered back in the bottom of the frame with three runs of their own. Marquez Smith knocked in Chris Walker with an RBI single, and Jake Eigsti plated Lloyd Turner when he grounded into a double play. Smith later scored from third when Zimmermann uncorked a wild pitch.

Camden got another run in the second when Walker singled in Steve Doetsch to make it 4-1.

In the third, Drew Macias blasted a two run shot OVER the Cooper Health sign in right. Suddenly it was 6-1.

Then...the wheels almost came off.

Long Island scored four runs in the fourth. Brandon Sing blasted a solo homer to lead off. Rey Navarette doubled. Shawn Williams almost put on over Lloyd Turner's head for a base hit, but Turner layed out and made a spectacular catch to retire him. Reid Gorecki smoked a two run dinger to left center, and the Ducks were within a run at 6-5.

Exit Bryan Corey, enter the bullpen combo of Blake King, Zach Hammes, Jeff Farnsworth and John Lujan. They combined to shut down the Ducks offense for the rest of the night. In four and two thirds innings, they allowed just one hit and one walk, while striking out three.

The 'Sharks added some insurance in the seventh when Eduardo Perez's RBI single scored Macias, and Doetsch singled in Perez despite getting tagged out between first and second to end the inning.

VIDEO: Drew Macias' Sac Fly Seals The Win For The 'Sharks

Reese Shuts It Down, Smith Lights It Up

Drew Macias' 9th inning, bases loaded sacrifice fly to right field scored Marquez Smith, and the Camden Riversharks beat the Long Island Ducks 1-0 tonight, behind a quality start from righty Kevin Reese.

Reese threw six innings of shutout baseball, allowing just four hits, while striking out three. The bullpen combo of Zach Hammes, Jason Bergmann, and John Lujan continued blanking the Ducks, allowing just one hit in three innings of relief. 

Long Island threatened to score in the top of the 8th, after a throwing error by catcher Scott Knazek allowed Craig Binick to take third base with one out. But Bergmann got Brandon Sing to hit a grounder right to Marquez Smith, who alertly fired the ball to Knazek for out number two. Ray Navarrete ended the Ducks threat by flying out to right field for the third out. 

Smith had a great night at the dish as well, going 2 for 3 with two doubles as well as scoring the winning run.

Two Out Ducks Rally Dooms 'Sharks

The Camden Riversharks give up two runs in the top of the ninth in a 6-5 loss to the Long Island Ducks Tuesday night at Campbell’s Field. 

The Ducks (21-10) started this one the way they left off in game one, putting a three spot on the board in the top of the first. The first two batters of the game reached and Brandon Sing hit one off the wall in center to score both. Sing would come around to score on a single from Ray Navarrete to make the game 3-0 before the Sharks (13-18) would even bat. 

After the rough first, Camden starter Sean Jarrett settled down, allowing just two more hits over the next four innings. The only thing that could calm him down was the rain. A one-hour rain delay came after the fifth inning, forcing Jarrett out of the ball game. 

Not before the Sharks got him the lead though. Brian Burgamy and Jake Eigsti got on board for Eduardo Perez, who snuck one over the wall in right to tie the game at 3-3. Lloyd Turner singled home Scott Knazek to give the sharks the lead, and Burgamy walked in his second plate appearance of the inning to provide some insurance. 

The extra run was washed away immediately after the rain in the sixth. A Naverrete sacrifice fly scored Sing and closed the gap and with two down in the top of the ninth James McOwen hit a two-run double to dead center off John Lujan (1-3). 

Why Is Chris Walker Still Leading Off??

Correct me if I'm wrong, but a good leadoff man is supposed to, y'know...get on base, right??

In 23 games with the 'Sharks this year, Walker is batting a miserable .186. Patience at the plate is also key for a leadoff hitter, but Walker LEADS THE TEAM IN STRIKEOUTS with 29 so far.

I like Chris. He's a nice guy. He's a good outfielder with great range, and if he ever got on base he's still a threat to steal. But C'MON ALREADY, SCOTTY.

Campbell's Field Is Not Your Personal Spittoon, Jerk.

A special note to this guy, sitting in the front row of Section 116 during Monday's game:

Spitting on the ground is disgusting. Spitting on the ground in a baseball park while you root for the opposing team is disrespectful. Wearing black socks and brown shoes is just stupid. You sir, are an idiot. If I ever see you again in Campbell's Field, I'll likely spit on you, and I would encourage others to do the same.

In Which The Long Island Ducks Beat The Riversharks Like They Owed Them Money...

Mike Loree pitched seven strong innings of shutout ball tonight at Campbell's Field, as the visiting Long Island Ducks crushed the Riversharks 8-0. Loree gave up three hits while striking out five.

Absolutely nothing good happened for the Riversharks this evening. This was an ugly game, with a capital "Ugh." I don't feel like running through all the scoring plays in this one-sided snoozefest. It went down kinda like this:

Alvin Colina's #25 jersey made YET ANOTHER appearance at home, this time worn by newly acquired reliever Josh Walter: