Road to the championship begins tonight
Published on September 21, 2004 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., September 21, 2004) â Tonight marks the start of something Duck fans have hoped for and envisioned for five years -- the Atlantic League playoffs, with their beloved flock right in the middle of things.
The first order of business is Game One of the Atlantic League Divisional Playoffs tonight at Nashua. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. in a game that will be broadcast live on WLIE Radio (540-AM) with Chris King describing all the action from New Hampshire. Long Island will send lefty Matt Beech to the hill against Nashua southpaw Nate Teut in this crucial start to the best-of-three series.
"In a short series it's always important to take game one," said Ducks manager Don McCormack. "If you can accomplish that, you can clinch the next night at home. Obviously, that's the goal." Beech went 3-1 for Long Island in the regular season with a 2.28 ERA in seven starts.
"He's completely ready to go," continued McCormack. "We're looking for the Matt Beech that we had in the first half." The Ducks skipper is referring to the fact that, at the time of his signing, Beech led the Atlantic League in strikeouts and was second in ERA.
The former Philadelphia Phillie is joined by Bill Pulsipher, Lance Davis and closer Bill Simas as one of four key pitchers that have returned to Long Island after being signed by an affiliated organization this season. Beech will look to overpower a strong Nashua lineup that features former Colorado Rockie Dante Bichette, who hit .368 and drilled five of his 18 homers against Long Island this season. Beech's task will be made slightly easier due to the news yesterday that Pride outfielder Henry Rodriguez, another former major-league power hitter, would be unavailable tonight due to a hamstring injury.
"Losing Henry takes away a key part of their lineup," noted McCormack. "But with the type of pitching we have, especially when you're talking about a short series, we are looking to neutralize their offense regardless of who is in there." Rodriguez's availability is in question for the entire series due to the injured leg. The Ducks will look to continue their strong 2004 against Pride starter Teut. In three starts against Long Island this season, Teut is 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA.
Game Two will be like no other game in Citibank Park history. If fans thought it was loud when the team gave away 1,500 Thunderstix earlier this season, imagine how it will sound after the first 3,000 fans in attendance receive the noisemakers as they enter the gates tomorrow night. Add to this the fact that fans will be celebrating the first playoff contest in team history and, in terms of sheer electricity, the atmosphere is sure to be unlike any other game in Citibank Park's five-year
history. Pulsipher (9-5, 3.67) will be opposed by Pride lefty Brian Looney (5-3, 3.92).
"I'm looking forward to seeing Billy in this situation," said McCormack. "When you have your ace going and he wants the baseball, it's fun to give it to the guy who got you where you're at." No doubt Ducks fans are looking forward to this game just as much as the manager. Gates open at 6:05 p.m. for the 7:05 p.m. contest and tickets are still available.
If necessary, Game Three of the divisional series will take place on Thursday night at Citibank Park with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. Former Cincinnati Red Lance Davis, who came back to Long Island after being signed by Columbus (AAA, Yankees) earlier this summer, will get the starting nod for the Ducks.
"Whether it's the third game of the divisional series or, hopefully, the first game of the championship series, Lance will get the ball," noted McCormack. "He's done a tremendous job for us this season and we're really glad he's back for the playoffs." If the Ducks clinch prior to Game Three, the first game of the Atlantic League Championship Series, a best-of-five showdown against the South Division Champions, will take place on Friday night at Citibank Park.
If they advance, the Ducks will also host Game Two of the championship round and have slated left-hander Jason Navarro for the start. The following games of the series will all be held at the ballpark of the South Division champ. The Camden Riversharks and Atlantic City Surf will do battle in a best-of-three to determine who advances from the South Division.
Great tickets remain for all Ducks playoff contests by calling 1-888-332-5600, by visiting the Citibank Park Box Office, or by logging on to www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon. Citibank Park is the place to be, so be sure to join the fun as the Ducks look to capture the first Atlantic League Championship in franchise history.
The Long Island Ducks, 2004 first half North Division champions, play their home games at Citibank Park and are celebrating their fifth anniversary season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. They have filled their ballpark to over 100 percent capacity for five consecutive seasons and are one of the most successful minor league franchises in the country. For further information, please visit www.liducks.com or call (631) 940-3825.
Atlantic League Stories from September 21, 2004
- Game one goes to Nashua - Long Island Ducks
- Pride shoot down Ducks in game one, 3-2 - American Defenders of New Hampshire
- Camden draws first blood, wins playoff opener 8-2 - Camden Riversharks
- Road to the championship begins tonight - Long Island Ducks
- Pride are in the playoffs - American Defenders of New Hampshire
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
