Bats Break out as Ducks Win Home Opener
Published on April 28, 2016 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
Delta Cleary, Jr. of the Long Island Ducks Walks into Second
(Long Island Ducks)
(Central Islip, N.Y.) - The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 6-4 on Thursday night in the first home game of the 2016 season and the opener of a four-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Long Island took a 1-0 lead in the first on a RBI single to left by Sean Burroughs off of Blue Crabs starter Jon Leicester. However, a run-scoring fielder's choice off the bat of Eric Garcia in the bottom of the second tied the game at one.
The Ducks took the lead back in the bottom of the frame on Delta Cleary Jr.'s two-out, two-run double to right-center. The lead was short-lived though, as Southern Maryland scored twice in the third off of Ducks starter Bobby Blevins. A run-scoring error by Blake Barber and a RBI single by Jamar Walton did the damage.
Long Island took the lead back in the fifth with consecutive two-out singles by Cody Puckett and Mike Blanke. After a Blue Crabs run in the seventh closed the gap to 5-4, Burroughs put the game out of reach in the eighth with a RBI infield single.
Blevins (1-0) earned the win, pitching five innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out three. Leicester (0-2) suffered the loss, surrendering five runs on seven hits and four walks over four and two-thirds innings with two strikeouts. Todd Coffey collected his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth.
Cleary Jr. and Burroughs led the Flock with two hits and two RBI each. Puckett and Barber also had two hits apiece.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their four-game set on Friday night. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a 2016 Ducks Magnet Schedule, courtesy of the QuackerJack Foundation. It's also a Fowl Pole Friday, Pizza Hut K-Man Friday and OK Petroleum Friday at the ballpark. Left-hander Jack Snodgrass takes the mound for Long Island against Southern Maryland southpaw Scott Snodgress.
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX. Those unable to make game can follow all of the action live on the Ducks' flagship radio station, 103.9-FM LI News Radio. Streaming video and audio will also be available online via the Ducks' official YouTube channel.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
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 Delta Cleary, Jr. of the Long Island Ducks Walks into Second |
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