Ducks Deep Six Crabs
Published on July 20, 2011 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 20, 2011) - The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 18-8 on Wednesday night in the final game of a three-game set at Bethpage Ballpark.
The Ducks got right to work at the plate, plating four runs in the first inning against Blue Crabs' starter Edward Rodriguez. A two-run double by Javier Colina, a RBI two-bagger from Lew Ford, and a RBI single off the bat of Matt Esquivel did the damage. Long Island added three more in the fourth on a RBI double from Esquivel and a two-run homer to left-center by J.R. House.
The Ducks exploded for eight more runs in the fifth inning to take a 15-0 lead and put the game away. 12 men came up to the plate, with Esquivel's three-run homer and a two-run blast by Ray Navarrete highlighting the inning.
That was more than enough for Mike Loree (12-1) to earn the win, tossing five shutout innings, allowing just three hits while striking out six. Rodriguez (3-3) took the loss after being lit up for 10 runs on 12 hits in four and one-third innings pitched.
Eight of the nine Ducks batters picked up a hit, with each one scoring at least two runs and driving in at least one. Esquivel's five RBI led the way.
The Ducks continue their nine-game homestand on Thursday night when they open a three-game series against the defending champion York Revolution. Game time is set for 7:05 PM, with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 6:05. It's the Third Annual Fire Safety Day at the ballpark, and the first 1,500 fans will receive Lunch Cooler Bags, courtesy of Underwriters Laboratories. Shane Youman gets the start for the Ducks against York's Chris Cody.
Tickets to the game and all upcoming games are available at the Bethpage Ballpark Box Office, over the phone at 631-940-TIXX, or online at www.liducks.com. Fans unable to make the contest can follow all the action live online at www.liducks.com by clicking the Watch Live icon on the homepage, with Chris King calling the play-by-play. Streaming video and audio will be provided by iBN, the Internet Broadcast Network.
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Duck Tales:The Ducks hit four home runs in the game to bring their season total to a league-leading 90 longballs. Ray Navarrete hit his 15th of the year, extending his team and league lead, while J.R. House hit his 13th, Matt Esquivel clubbed his 10th, and John Rodriguez hit his 9th. Four Ducks have now hit 10 or more home runs in 2011 Esquivel finished the game just a triple shy of the cycle. He extended his hitting streak to seven games and has now picked up at least one hit in 12 of his last 13 games. He also became the first Duck to finish a game with five RBI this season. Rodriguez' eight RBI on June 9 were the most in a game by a Duck this yearWith two RBI, Javier Colina extended his league-leading RBI total to 54After picking up the win, Loree now has a league-high 12 victories in 2011, four more than his nearest competitor. The right-hander has won ten consecutive starts, dating back to May 21 at York. With six strikeouts, he has now recorded 83 punch-outs this season, which ranks second in the league and he lowered his league-best ERA to 1.72 Long Island is now 8-4 against the Blue Crabs this season, including a perfect 6-0 at home. The Ducks have now swept seven series this season, with all seven coming at Bethpage Ballpark. The 18 hits they racked up were also a season-high, surpassing the previous mark of 16, and the 18 runs were the third-most scored by the Ducks in 2011...The Ducks have now won six straight games, which ties a season-high. Their 6-0 start to the second half ties the franchise record for most consecutive wins to start a half, done three times before.
Atlantic League Stories from July 20, 2011
- Well, There's Always Tomorrow - Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
- Revs' Seven-Game Winning Streak Snapped As Road Warriors Leave Town With A Fury - York Revolution
- Ducks Deep Six Crabs - Long Island Ducks
- Nattles, Hagen Down 'Stormers - Lancaster Stormers
- Patriots Take Down Barnstormers 7-4 - Somerset Patriots
- Patriots Take Down Barnstormers 7-4 - Somerset Patriots
- Riversharks Fall in Slugfest - Camden Riversharks
- Bridgeport Takes Series - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Diamond Gear to Launch - Long Island Ducks
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