Eight Strong Innings For Mitchell, Mincey Closes It Out
Published on July 24, 2015 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
(Bridgeport, CT) - The Bridgeport Bluefish (11-4, 37-48) defeated the Long Island Ducks (7-8, 53-32) 5-3 at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard on Friday night in the opener of a three game weekend series. Bridgeport has now won 13 of their last 17 games overall, and remain in first place in the Second Half Liberty Division Standings, one-half game ahead of the Somerset Patriots.
Bridgeport Starting Pitcher D.J. Mitchell (5-7) picked up the victory, pitching eight solid innings, giving up just two runs on five hits, striking out six and not allowing a walk. The right hander posted his eighth quality start of the season, and came on like a thoroughbred, striking out the side to conclude his night. Long Island Starting Pitcher Darin Downs (0-2) suffered the loss, tossing five and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on five hits, striking out three and not issuing a free pass. Patrick Mincey came on in the ninth inning to close the game out for the 'Fish, earning his 17th save of the season. The All-Star right hander is now a perfect nine for nine in save opportunities in the Second Half.
Bridgeport took the early 1-0 lead off Downs in the bottom half of the first inning. Josh Prince led off with a single, stole second base, and later would score on a wild pitch thrown by Downs. Prince extended his on-base streak to a season high 11 consecutive games, and is now second on the team in bags swiped with 13. Long Island would answer back with two runs of their own off Mitchell in the top of the fourth inning to take their first and only lead of the night at 2-1. With runners at the corners and nobody out, Cody Puckett grounded into a fielder's choice, but Bryant Nelson's throw to first on the double play attempt skipped past Andres Rodriguez and into the Bridgeport dugout for an error, allowing Bryan Sabatella to score the tying run. Jon Griffin then gave the Ducks the lead with a run-scoring double, plating Puckett with the go-ahead tally.
Bridgeport regained the lead in the sixth again off Downs, sending eight men to the plate. Prince and Nelson reached with back to back singles and one out. Welington Dotel tied the game with an RBI single, scoring Prince. With the bases loaded with 'Fish, Andres Rodriguez gave the Bridgeport the lead with a two-run infield single, bringing in Dotel and Wilson Batista, with the Bluefish switch hitting third baseman scoring all the way from second base on the ground ball hit towards the middle of the diamond by Rodriguez. The three run, four hit rally was complete and Bridgeport led 4-2. Dotel added an insurance run with his second RBI single in as many at bats in the eighth, bringing home Matt Wessinger. The Bluefish collected nine hits on the night, with Prince, Nelson, and Dotel picking up two base knocks each. The night was a complete success as guest manager Paul O'Neill was victorious in his role as the skipper.
Atlantic League Stories from July 24, 2015
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- Eight Strong Innings For Mitchell, Mincey Closes It Out - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Ducks Fall Short in Series Opener with Bluefish - Long Island Ducks
- Perez Crushes Walk-Off Home Run as Revs Defeat Sharks - York Revolution
- Patriots Crush Blue Crabs 8-1 - Somerset Patriots
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- Bluefish Shutout Blue Crabs To Win Series - Bridgeport Bluefish
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