AtL Long Island Ducks

Ninth Inning Rally Falls Short for Flock

Published on July 1, 2018 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release


Lew Ford swings away for the Long Island Ducks
Lew Ford swings away for the Long Island Ducks
(Long Island Ducks)

(Central Islip, N.Y.) - The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Road Warriors 10-9 on Sunday evening in the finale of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.

The Ducks and Road Warriors traded runs in the first inning, with an RBI single by Jose Julio-Ruiz and a bases loaded walk to Cody Puckett accounting for the scoring. Two runs in the second and two more in the third for the Road Warriors off Ducks starter Lee Sosa put the visitors in front 5-1. A pair of RBI singles by Matt Hibbert and a sac fly off the bat of Alfredo Silverio highlighted the scoring.

Long Island fought back with a three-run fourth inning against Road Warriors starter Brandon Bargas to trim the deficit to 5-4. Emilio Bonifacio's RBI single to right and Lew Ford's two-run single through the right side did the damage. However, single runs over the next four innings pushed the Road Warriors lead up to five. Solo homers by Gustavo Pierre, Jorge Fernandez-Diaz and Chris Rivera featured in the offense.

The Ducks mounted an incredible rally in the ninth to nearly complete a comeback. Ford's RBI single, a two-run double by Taylor Ard, David Washington's run-scoring groundout and an RBI single by Anthony Vega closed the gap to 10-9. However, the tying and winning runs were stranded on base.

Bargas did not factor into the decision but allowed four runs on four hits and six walks over three and two-thirds innings with four strikeouts. Andres Caceres (1-0) picked up the win with one and one-third scoreless innings of relief. Sosa (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering five runs (four earned) on five hits and four walks in two and one-third innings. Christian Flecha-Astacio picked up his first save of the season by retiring the final batter of the game.

Ford led the Flock with three hits, three RBIs and a walk.

The Ducks hit the road on Tuesday for the final series of the first half, as they open a three-game series against the New Britain. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at New Britain Stadium. Fans 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. Left-hander Bennett Parry (5-0, 2.22) gets the start for the Ducks against Bees righty Rainy Lara (3-3, 3.25).

Long Island returns home on Friday, July 6 to begin a three-game series against the Sugar Land Skeeters. Game time is slated for 5:05 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 4:05 (3:50 for full season ticket holders). It's a Bowlero Friday, and as fans exit the ballpark following the game, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for a special "buy one game of bowling, get one free" offer, courtesy of Bowlero. The Red Robin K-Man promotion will be taking place as well. A player on the Road Warriors will be designated as the K-Man, and if he strikes out, all fans in a lucky section of the ballpark will win a "buy one entree, get one half off" discount, courtesy of Red Robin. Tickets to the game, and all 2018 Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX.

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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Lew Ford swings away for the Long Island Ducks
Lew Ford swings away for the Long Island Ducks
   



Atlantic League Stories from July 1, 2018


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