AtL Long Island Ducks

Vega's Blast Completes Sweep, Vaults Ducks into First

Published on August 8, 2018 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release


Anthony Vega of the Long Island Ducks watches his home run
Anthony Vega of the Long Island Ducks watches his home run
(Long Island Ducks)

(Bridgewater, N.J.) - The Long Island Ducks defeated the Somerset Patriots 4-3 in 11 innings on Wednesday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at TD Bank Ballpark.

Lew Ford opened the scoring for the Ducks in the first inning with a sacrifice fly to right field that scored Jordany Valdespin. Somerset tied the game in the fourth on an RBI single up the middle by Jayce Boyd off Ducks starter Matt Larkins.

Long Island took the lead back in the fifth, as another sac fly by Ford and an RBI single by Taylor Ard off Patriots starter Stephen Perakslis put the Ducks ahead 3-1. Somerset closed to within a run in the sixth when Matt Oberste's two-out RBI single to center scored Ramon Flores.

It stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth when an error, a walk and a passed ball allowed Scott Kelly to scamper home with the tying run. The Ducks grabbed the lead back once again at 4-3 in the 11th when Anthony Vega launched a two-out solo homer to right field.

Somerset put the tying and winning runs on base with one out in the bottom of the 11th. However, Ashur Tolliver struck out Justin Pacchioli and Flores to secure the save.

Neither starter factored into the decision. Larkins pitched five innings of one-run ball, allowing five hits and two walks with one strikeout. Perakslis lasted six innings, yielding three runs on nine hits and a walk over six innings with five strikeouts. Dennis O'Grady (5-2) earned the win after pitching a scoreless 10th inning. Dustin Antolin (1-4) took the loss, yielding the winning run in the 11th. Tolliver collected his first save with a scoreless bottom of the 11th, working around two hits and a walk while striking out two.

Ard led the Flock at the plate with four hits. Vega added two hits, an RBI and two runs, while Cody Puckett and Ramon Cabrera each had two hits.

The Ducks return home on Thursday to open a four-game series with the York Revolution Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Can Koozies, courtesy of the YMCA of Long Island. It's also a Thirsty Thursday! The Duck Club Restaurant/Bar, normally reserved for VIP/season ticket holders, will be open to all fans to enjoy. The bar will feature drink specials, including half price domestics, while the restaurant will offer special menu selections. Right-hander John Brownell (8-8, 4.03) gets the start for the Ducks against Revolution righty Mitch Atkins (8-4, 4.04).

Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX, CLICKING HERE or downloading the Ducks mobile app. Those unable to make the game 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.

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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Anthony Vega of the Long Island Ducks watches his home run
Anthony Vega of the Long Island Ducks watches his home run
   



Atlantic League Stories from August 8, 2018


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