AtL Long Island Ducks

Seventh Heaven: Ducks Stay Perfect at Home

Published on May 18, 2012 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release


(Central Islip, N.Y.) - The Long Island Ducks defeated the Somerset Patriots 9-7 in the first game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.

Ray Navarrete put the Ducks in front with a RBI single to right in the first off Patriots starter Mike MacDonald. The teams would exchange runs in the third, as Somerset tied it on a run-scoring single to left from Aaron Mathews off Ducks starter Mike Loree, and James McOwen put Long Island back in front on a RBI double to right-center.

The Patriots took a 4-3 lead in the fourth on a pair of RBI singles from Jonny Tucker and Freddie Bynum. Three more runs in the sixth on a two-run triple from Bynum and a run-scoring passed ball extended the lead to four.

However, the Ducks stormed back for four runs in the seventh to tie the game, highlighted by a two-run single from Navarrete. After the Patriots regained the lead in the eighth, a three-run bottom of the frame put Long Island ahead for good. Bryant Nelson's RBI double to right broke the tie.

Neither starter factored into the decision. Loree allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks in four innings of work, while MacDonald fired six innings, yielding two runs on five hits and three walks. Jeremy Hill (2-0) got the win with an inning of relief, and Derell McCall (1-1) took the loss after allowing three runs in one inning of work. Jon Meloan earned his seventh save with a scoreless ninth.

Four Ducks had two hits in the game to lead the way. Navarrete finished with three RBI, while Nelson and McOwen each added two.

The Ducks and Patriots continue their three-game set on Saturday night. Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 6:05. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will take home Cow Bells, courtesy of the Leslie Munzer Neurological Institute. Right-hander and Baldwin native Joe Esposito takes the mound for Long Island against Somerset righty Justin Cassel.

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 . Fans unable to attend the game can follow the action live on the radio at MyCountry 96.1 FM and online at LIDucks.com by clicking the Watch Live icon on the homepage. Streaming video and audio will be available courtesy of iBN, the Internet Broadcast Network.

Check out the Long Island Ducks Statistics

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Atlantic League Stories from May 18, 2012


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