Navarrete Makes History as Ninth Inning Rally Stuns Somerset
April 29, 2012 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Bridgewater, N.J., Apr. 29, 2012) - The Long Island Ducks defeated the Somerset Patriots 5-4 on Sunday afternoon in the final game of a four-game set at TD Bank Ballpark. By serving as the designated hitter, Ray Navarrete became the all-time franchise leader in games played with 638, surpassing Justin Davies.
The Patriots jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning against Ducks starter Bob Zimmermann. A RBI single to right by Freddy Sandoval and a two-run base hit from Jesse Hoorelbeke did the damage. It stayed that way until the sixth when the Ducks responded three runs of their own to tie the game off Patriots starter Paul Phillips. Bryant Nelson hit a two-run homer down the right field line, and Ryan Garko laced a RBI single to right.
Both teams traded zeroes again until the bottom of the eighth when Hoorelbeke's solo homer to center put the Pats ahead 4-3. However, with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth, Wilberto Ortiz' grounder to third scored Dan Lyons and James McOwen when the relay throw from second to first could not be handled.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Zimmermann tossed six innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits with four strikeouts, while Phillips surrendered three runs on six hits in five and one-third innings of work. Jason Monti (1-0) earned the win, allowing a run in two innings of relief while striking out three, and Josh Rupe (0-1) suffered the loss, yielding two runs (one earned) in his one inning of work. Jon Meloan picked up his second save with a scoreless ninth, striking out Freddy Sandoval with the tying run in scoring position for the second time in the series.
McOwen and Shawn Williams led the Ducks with two hits apiece offensively.
Following a day off Monday, Long Island heads to Bridgeport to open a three-game series with the cross-sound rival Bluefish on Tuesday. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. from The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. Fans can follow all the action live online at www.liducks.com by clicking the Listen Live icon on the home page, with Chris King calling the play-by-play. Streaming audio will be provided by iBN, the Internet Broadcast Network. Fans can also keep track of the game pitch-by-pitch via Pointstreak's GameLive application by visiting www.atlanticleague.com.
The Ducks return home on Friday, May 4 for Opening Night against the Camden Riversharks. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 6:05. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a "Whistle Guy" Bobblehead, courtesy of P.C. Richard & Son. Tickets for the game and all Ducks home games are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark Box Office, calling (631) 940-TIXX, or visiting www.liducks.com .
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Atlantic League Stories from April 29, 2012
- Barnstormers Bounced In Series Finale - Lancaster Stormers
- Sugar Land Blanks Revs, 5-0, to End Series - York Revolution
- Sharks Take Series Finale from 'Fish - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Navarrete Makes History as Ninth Inning Rally Stuns Somerset - Long Island Ducks
- Ducks Take Opening Series with Ninth Inning Rally - Somerset Patriots
- Stange and Flores Sign with Bridgeport - Bridgeport Bluefish
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