Ducks Soar Past Patriots in Playoff Opener
September 19, 2018 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
Long Island Ducks exchange victory high fives
(Long Island Ducks)
(Central Islip, N.Y.) - The Long Island Ducks defeated the Somerset Patriots 9-2 on Wednesday night in Game One of the Liberty Division Championship Series at Bethpage Ballpark. Long Island now leads the best-of-five series one game to none.
Long Island opened the scoring with a three-run third inning off Patriots starter Vince Molesky. Daniel Fields' two-run triple down the right field line and an RBI single to center by Lew Ford did the damage. One inning later, Jordany Valdespin drove in a run with a triple to right and then came home on a throwing error, extending the lead to 5-0.
Somerset closed to within 5-2 with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings off Ducks starter Matt Larkins on an RBI single by Craig Massey and a solo homer by Ramon Flores. However, two runs in the bottom of the sixth pushed Long Island's lead back to five at 7-2. A sac fly to center by Fields and an RBI single to right by Ford highlighted the inning. An error that plated David Washington and a sac fly to center by Valdespin in the seventh rounded out the scoring.
Larkins (1-0) earned the win, tossing six innings of two-run ball, allowing eight hits and one walk while striking out four. Molesky (0-1) took the loss, surrendering five runs (four earned) on nine hits and a walk over five innings with four strikeouts. Fernando Abad, Taylor Grover and Jose Cuas each tossed a scoreless inning of relief for the Ducks to secure the victory.
Valdespin led the Flock offensively with three hits, two RBIs and three runs scored, finishing just a homer shy of the cycle. Ford added three hits and two RBIs, while Fields drove in three runs.
The Ducks and Patriots return to the field on Thursday night for Game Two of the Liberty Division Championship Series. 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). It will be another Unused Ticket Day at the ballpark. Fans who could not make it to a game earlier this season and are still in possession of their unused tickets can exchange them at the box office for a ticket of equal or lesser value to Game Two, subject to availability. CLICK HERE for more information about Unused Ticket Days.
Tickets for the game, and all Ducks home playoff games, are on sale now. Fans can purchase their tickets by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX, CLICKING HERE or visiting the Ducks Mobile App. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on the Ducks official Facebook page, YouTube channel and at LIDucks.com
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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 Long Island Ducks exchange victory high fives |
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