For Openers, A Win
Published on April 25, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, NY, April 25, 2008) - The Long Island Ducks opened their 2008 campaign with a crisp, well-played 4-1 opening night win over the defending Atlantic League champion Newark Bears on Friday night in front of a sellout crowd of 6,165 at Citibank Park.
Lefthander Randy Leek (1-0) went six innings in the win for Long Island, allowing one unearned run on five hits and one walk while striking out four. Tom Martin and Ben Grezlovski each tossed a scoreless inning before giving way to closer Joe Valentine, who recorded his first save of 2008.
The run support all came courtesy of a four run spurt with two outs in the bottom of the first inning following Carl Everett's infield single to extend the inning. Ray Navarrete (RBI single), Kevin Haverbusch (two run double) and Damian Rolls (RBI single) supplied the game's deciding blows after Everett tapped a roller past the pitchers mound and beat Bobby Hill's throw to first on a bang-bang play, beginning the rally.
The Ducks and Bears play the second game of their three-game series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Righthander Manny Ulloa takes the mound for the Ducks, and will be opposed by Newark lefthander Benito Baez. Following the game, fans will be treated to the first Grucci Fireworks Extravaganza of the season, presented by Perfumania. Fans unable to make it to the ballpark tomorrow can listen to all the action live on WLIR (107.1 FM), WNYG (1440 AM) or www.liducks.com.Tickets are still available by visiting the Citibank Park Box Office, calling (631) 940-TIXX, or logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon.
Ducks Tales...The Ducks are now 6-3 in season openers, and 5-4 in their first home contests...The Ducks bullpen is already showing they are a focal point on this team. Grezlovski and Martin pitched flawless innings, while Valentine picked up his first save of the year...Carl Everett started the season on a good note by going a perfect 3-3 and drawing a walk in his four plate appearances...Kevin Haverbusch connected on the Ducks only extra-base hit by hitting a two-run double in the first inning. He kept up his torrid pace from spring training after hitting three doubles in six preseason games.
The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are entering their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call (631) 940-3825.
Atlantic League Stories from April 25, 2008
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