It came during the ninth inning of Game 4 of the 1941 World Series. The Brooklyn Dodgers led 4-3 and when the Yankee right fielder swung and missed at a low curveball. Dodger’s catcher Mickey Owen couldn’t handle the pitch and it got by him as Henrich scampered to first base. Low and behold, the Bronx Bombers rallied and took a 3-1 lead in the Series, wrapping it up the next game and breaking hearts all over Flatbush.

The Dayton, Ohio native passed away on Monday at the age of 96 in his hometown. He made his major league debut on May 11, 1937 and played 11 seasons, all for the Yankees. He missed three years serving in the Coast Guard during World War II (1943 through 1945) and won five rings in the Bronx.

“Tommy was a darn good ballplayer and teammate,” former Yankee Yogi Berra said. “He always took being a Yankee to heart. He won a lot of championships and did whatever he could do to help us win. When I came up in 1947, he taught me little nuances about playing the outfield. Being around Tommy made you feel good, whether playing cards or listening to him sing with that great voice. He was a proud man, and if you knew him, he made you proud too.”

Although Henrich was a very productive player his first few years in the league, he broke out in 1941 with a career-high 31 home runs and made the All-Star team a year later. After the war, Henrich returned and became an integral part of a very successful club. With a superstar like Joe DiMaggio playing next to him, it was easy to remain in the background, something not lost on his teammates.

“The called him “Old Reliable” and he was just that,” said Jerry Coleman, who played two years with Henrich. “My first year with him was 1949 and it seemed like every home run he hit won the game. His career stats might not show it (.282 career batting average), but he was a great clutch player. When he hit, it counted. He was also a fine defensive player in the outfield.”

That same year, Henrich was instrumental in the Yankees winning another pennant in a close American League race and hit the first walk-off home run in World Series history. The Yankees and Dodgers were locked in a scoreless tie when Henrich led off the bottom of the ninth inning against Don Newcombe. He launched the 2-0 delivery into the stands and sent the crowd home happy. He also starred in Game 5 as the Yanks won yet another Fall Classic.

Although Henrich was named to the All-Star squad in 1950, he retired after the season. Playing through injuries, he hit only .272 with 6 home runs and 34 RBI. Henrich went on to become a coach for the Yankees, New York Giants and Detroit Tigers.

Yes, Henrich did many great things on the baseball diamond, so many in fact that a strikeout can be included in that list.

In Game 3 on Monday night, Philadelphia clobbered the Dodgers, 11-0. Every player on the Phillies scored a run, including starting pitcher Cliff Lee, who had a single in the bottom of the eighth inning and scored on a Shane Victorino three run home run. Raul Ibanez was the only Phillie not to have at least one hit in the game. Ryan Howard had a two-run triple in the bottom of the first to get the scoring started for the Phillies, and Jayson Werth then added a two-run homer to give the Phillies an early 4-0 lead at the end of the first inning.

Tuesday’s 5-4 win was far more dramatic, as Jimmy Rollins’ two-run double with two outs in the ninth inning put the team just one win away from its second straight NL pennant.

Ryan Howard continued his impressive postseason with a two-run homer in the bottom of the first, giving him eight straight postseason games with at least one RBI, tying Lou Gehrig’s major league record set more than seven decades ago. He now has 14 RBIs this postseason and has reached base safely in 17 straight playoff games.

Howard has driven in a run in each of the Phillies’ eight playoff games this year. Gehrig’s streak stretched over two postseasons with the New York Yankees in 1928 and 1932.

Article reprinted from BaseballDigest.com.

“He wants to play and the decision from our medical staff and my self was to stay home,” explained Minaya. Wright was hit by a Matt Cain fastball Saturday and has the usual headaches associated with a concussion.  The Mets are being cautious about Wright, their team leader, who missed one game all season and don’t want a recurrence of the Ryan Church concussion episode of last season.

Minaya has had his share of bad news all season. The injuries to his starting lineup and pitching staff have been a reason why the Mets are not in contention, and now Wright, who could miss the entire season pending on how long the recuperation takes place. “Based on the recommendations of our doctors and the specialist,” said Minaya when asked why Wright was put on the DL

The mood in the Mets clubhouse Saturday was all about the concern for Wright. It remained that way before and after the game Sunday. Luis Castillo provided the Mets with maybe the longest home run at Citi Field in a 3-2 win. With two outs in the fifth inning he hit a Jonathan Sanchez pitch to the second deck in left field, his first home run since May of 2008.

And Mike Pelfrey, perhaps is back on the right track as he provided the Mets with his best pitching effort of the season. He gave up two runs on five hits in 7/2-3 innings and struck out eight. He has allowed only four runs in three starts against the Giants but only has one win to show for it.

Francisco Rodriquez (3-4) pitched a perfect ninth inning out of the pen and got the win.  Murphy, with his first career walk-off winning hit, was the hero for now. But the Mets clubhouse had all their thoughts with Wright.

“Every time you get a W it’s a good feeling,” said Murphy, “but we all have our thoughts with David.” Jeff Francoeur opened the ninth with single deep in the hole off losing pitcher Sergio Romo (3-2) and scored on the Murphy hit after Fernando Tatis sacrificed him to second.

It was that rare type of win for the Mets who took their second game in the four-game series that concludes Monday evening.

e-mail Rich Mancuso:  Ring786@aol.com

Jesse Hoorelbeke hit a two-out double off the right field wall against Zimmermann to score Tyrone Pendergrass.  The closer then got Luis Rodriguez to foul out to right field to end the game.

The Revolution jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning after Matt Rogelstad led off the frame with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Goleski.  Rogelstad finished 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Ryner Bautista responded in the third with a solo home run off starter Dave Gassner (4-7).  It was the only run charged against Gassner, who went six and one-third innings for the win.  He struck out three, walked one and gave up four hits.

Bautista went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI for the ‘Fish.

York answered in the bottom of the frame when P.J. Rose hit his second extra-base hit in two nights with an RBI double.

Esteban Yan (6-3) suffered the tough loss after going the distance, striking out six and giving up three runs on eight hits in eight innings of work.

Rose was the fisherman on Saturday, hooking the ‘Fish with their second loss of the second half when he blasted a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning off Bluefish closer Andy Cavazos.

It was the first run and hit surrendered by Cavazos in eight innings.  The righty walked the first three Revs before Rose’s heroics.

Jesse Hoorelbeke paved the way at the plate by going 2-for-4 with two doubles and five RBI.  The first baseman’s three run double in the third inning was the turning point against Revs starter Dan Foli. The righthander exited at the end of the frame, finishing with four runs on six hits and three walks.

Daryl Harang did damage control for the Revs, tossing four innings of scoreless ball.

Gary Knotts did his part for Bridgeport on the mound, striking out seven in seven innings and allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks.

Relief pitcher Patrick Ryan made his Bluefish debut with a scoreless eighth.

Adam Greenberg had a nice night at the dish as he tied a season-high with three hits while stealing two bases.

Zimmermann earned his first save of the series Friday night in York’s 2-1 victory.  Bridgeport could not capitalize in the eighth and ninth innings with runners on base and dropped the first game of the Atlantic League second half.

The Bluefish struggled against starter Tim Harrikala (5-1) in Willie Upshaw’s 2009 managerial debut.  Harrikala pitched five scoreless innings to open the game, giving him 13 straight against the ‘Fish, before Enohel Polanco scored on a wild pitch.  The righthander earned the win by striking out four and giving up a run on four hits.

Josh Johnson’s two-run homer was all the Revs needed to provide Harrikala with his fourth straight victory.

Starter Corey Lee left after one pitch for the ‘Fish with an apparent right side injury.  Matt Pike replaced Lee and pitched a solid five innings. Pike suffered the loss despite allowing just two unearned runs on four hits and two walks.

Tommy John walked off the field at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard for the last time with a victory on July 8.  The Bluefish responded to the sudden news of John’s resignation with a 12 hit performance to defeat the Somerset Patriots 6-4 in the final game of the Atlantic League first half.

Luis Lopez’s two-run homer to left field proved to be the difference maker, as the Bluefish used a three-run fifth inning to break a 3-3 tie.  Adam Greenberg scored on Lopez’s blast off Brian Adams after dropping down a leadoff bunt and stealing second and third base.

Adams (8-5) suffered the loss after striking out three in five innings while giving up six runs on 10 hits and three walks.

Andy Cavazos pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his fourth save of the season for the ‘Fish.

Atlantic League strikeout leader Dan Reichert (9-6) earned his league-leading ninth victory of the season by lasting eight innings and striking out five while being tagged for four runs (one earned) on eight hits and two walks.

The Bluefish finished the first half with a record of 33-37.

The Patriots jumped out to an early 5-0 lead against starter Kyle Jackson on June 7 as the Pats went on to defeat the ‘Fish 6-4.  Jackson recovered to hold Somerset hitless over his final six innings pitched, but suffered the loss by giving up  six runs on six hits and four walks.

Brandon Sing highlighted Bridgeport’s eight-hit performance by going 2-for-3 with one RBI.

Sing led the Bluefish to a 4-1 victory on June 6 by smashing two solo home runs in Esteban Yan’s complete game three-hitter.  Yan made quick work of Somerset, breezing through the game on 100 pitches.  At one point, Yan retired 13 straight Somerset batters.

Bridgeport finished the week 2-4 and will look to earn their first victory of the second half tonight in the final game of a four game series against the York Revolution at 7:00 p.m.

Tonight’s Matchup

Kyle Jackson (14 GS; 5-6, 5.11 ERA) vs. Shane Youman (5 G, 4 GS; 0-2, 2.26 ERA)

The Week Ahead

June 14-16 at Camden Riversharks

Player to Watch: Starting pitcher Tom Davey is 8-2 with a league-leading 2.31 ERA and his 66 strikeouts are tied for second in the league.  Davey is 2-0 against the ‘Fish with 10 strikeouts and Bridgeport has only scored one run off him in two games.

June 17-19 vs. Newark Bears

Player to Watch: Catcher Salomon Manriquez is the league-leader in batting average (.367) and his .444 on-base percentage is ranked second.  Manriquez is batting .276 against Bridgeport in six games with five walks and three runs.

‘Fish Facts

Who’s Hot: Outfielder Brandon Sing and first baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke have made themselves a threatening presence in the middle of the Bridgeport lineup.  Sing is 17-for-37 (.459) with 10 runs, nine RBI and two home runs in the last ten games.  Hoorelbeke has a team-high 14 RBI in the last ten games by going 13-for-32 (.406) with eight runs and three home runs.

Who’s Not:  Outfielder Tyrone Pendergrass is 3-for-18 (.167) with three runs and one RBI over the last five games…Enohel Polanco struggled in his first week back from a hamstring injury, going 3-for-14 (.214) with two runs and two RBI.

Scoreless Debut: Relief pitcher Patrick Ryan made his Bluefish debut on Saturday by pitching a scoreless eighth inning.  The 26-year-old joins Bridgeport after appearing in 16 games (eight starts) with West Tenn (AA, Mariners) of the Southern League earlier this year.  Ryan was 2-5 with a 6.62 ERA in 50 innings pitched.

On and off the Disabled List: The Bluefish placed Todd Davison on the disabled list with a knee injury and infielder Wilson Batista was reinstated to the active list yesterday.  Batista had three hits in six games for the ‘Fish earlier this year.

Streak Snapped:  Brandon Sing’s 10-game hitting streak was snapped on Friday against the York Revolution.  The outfielder’s streak is tied for the team-high with ex-Bluefish Henry Mateo.

Upshaw takes over John: With the sudden news of Tommy John’s resignation as manager of the Bluefish, Willie Upshaw will take over for his second stint as manager of the team.  Upshaw managed the team from 1998-2000, winning the 1999 Atlantic League Championship.  The 1998 Manager of the Year left the team in 2000 to coach in the affiliated ranks of the Cleveland Indians and then the San Francisco Giants.

Sound familiar? Benitez wasn’t even wearing a Mets uniform this time. Instead, the Newark Bears closer failed to hold a two-run ninth inning lead in the Atlantic League’s All-Star game Tuesday night, giving up four runs on five hits as the Liberty Division stormed back for a 7-5 victory.

Southern Maryland’s Mike Just tied the contest by working the count full against the former two-time major league All-Star. With one out and runners on second and third, Just blasted a two-run single up the middle to tie it at 5.

Bridgeport’s Luis Lopez ripped a RBI single down the leftfield line to plate Just with the game-winning run, tagging Benitez and the Freedom Division with the loss.

“Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose,” an upbeat Benitez said in the home clubhouse afterwards. “I felt like I wasn’t 100 percent until the last couple of batters.”

Benitez, who has taken over as Newark’s closer from former Red Sox Keith Foulke, said he wanted to win the exhibition but still was appreciative of the opportunity. The 36-year-old is a two-time major league All-Star but said earning the respect of fellow players, coaches and fans is important to him.

“You make the All-Star game because people picked you. You did something special,” Benitez said. “It’s a good opportunity to come back. It’s not the big leagues but to be in a situation here, it’s very nice. It’s cool for me and I take pride in being in the All-Star game.”

Just was the only Liberty starter to play the entire game, going 2-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored to earn MVP honors. Ducks closer Bill Simas entered in the eighth inning with the Liberty Division trailing by a run. Since the Liberty squad was the visitor, manager Butch Hobson wanted to ensure Simas got to pitch in front of the 20 scouts in attendance at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

The move left the Liberty squad with no more pitchers and Simas had to come out in the ninth for a five-out appearance. Yet Simas thrived on the workload, tossing a 1-2-3 ninth to close out the win.

“For us to come back like that, it’s a pretty big win,” Valentine said. “Even though it’s an exhibition, we’re here to win. Anytime you’re an All-Star, it’s an honor, wherever you are. And the talent that’s in this league; it’s pretty nice.”

The Freedom Division jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, scoring once in the first before Lancaster’s Lloyd Turner blasted a two-run double down the leftfield line. Turner was in line for the MVP award if the Freedom team could have protected the lead.

Unlike last year’s All-Star game in Somerset, there was no pregame home run derby. Ray Navarrete represented the Ducks in the contest last year but still got to swing for the fences, knocking a two-run home run to left in the top of the third to put the Liberty Division on the scoreboard and cut the deficit to 3-2.

“Anytime there’s a home run derby, I always think it makes the All-Star game more fun,” Navarrete said. “Either way, I’m having a good time.”

The Liberty Division plated a run in the seventh before the Freedom squad picked up an insurance run charged to Ducks set-up man Joe Valentine in the eighth. Even the extra run couldn’t help Benitez, who started the ninth by allowing a weak infield single before Camden’s Jason Jacobs lined a single to right.

A pop out and a passed ball put two runners in scoring position for Just, who delivered his clutch hit. Just stole second in front of Lopez’s single and Camden’s Jon Knott brought Lopez home on a RBI double to left-center.

Atlantic League rules state that an extra-inning game would be decided by a homer-off, which would be baseball’s version of the NHL’s shootout where the game would be decided by a home run derby.

Freedom manager Chris Hoiles (York’s manager) said that scenario allowed him to use all his pitchers and save Benitez for the end, where it was his job to finish the inning without needing to worry about arms for extra-innings.

“I figured with what we have, Benitez is our closer and that was the best option I had,” Hoiles said.

But there were still plenty of smiles for the team’s four position players and two pitchers who were selected to represent the Ducks for the Liberty Division squad at Newark’s Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. The Flock entered the four-day break riding momentum, posting an 8-2 record in the past 10 contests to move within three games of first-place Southern Maryland.

With 15 games remaining in the opening half race, Ray Navarrete said the respite will allow the Ducks to finish out the division race strong.

“Our confidence level in the clubhouse is at the highest point we’ve had,” Navarrete said before the game. “Anytime you get days off to rest and heel some injuries is good. It came at the perfect time.

“I really like our chances. We have a lot of special things ahead of us.”

Navarrete was making his second straight All-Star appearance in a Ducks uniform, hitting a two-run third inning home runs as the Liberty Division stormed back for four ninth-inning runs against Freedom Division closer Armando Benitez in a 7-5 come-from posted victory. After being a man without a defensive position the last two years, Navarrete moved to third base at the start of the season, going to a position in which he had little experience.

Manning the hot corner, Navarrete committed 10 errors but has looked more comfortable at the position. The former Mets prospect continued his torrid offense hitting, belting a team-best 10 home runs while driving in 34 runs.

“I’m grateful to be here today,” Navarrete said. “Third base has been a huge adjustment for me. I still have a long way to go before I turn into a good third baseman but it means a great deal to me.”

Earning an All-Star selection is an honor in any professional league, though Navarrete said he hopes he won’t have a chance to accomplish the feat a third consecutive year when the Ducks host the event in 2010.

“All of us, this is not our ultimate goal to continue to be in this league,” Navarrete said. “But if a lot of us don’t get the opportunity to get signed, this is the league in which we have to show our talents. Anytime our peers, coaches or media votes us in, you have to take pride in it because this is a great league with a lot of exceptional talent.”

Catcher John Pachot and rightfielder Estee Harris were the other Ducks to start the game while outfielder Johnny Hernandez entered for Harris in right in the top of the sixth. Pachot went 1-2 while Harris and Hernandez went a combined 0-5.

Joe Valentine, the club’s regular set-up man, entered in his customary eighth-inning and allowed a leadoff infield single before getting a strikeout.  Trailing 4-3, Liberty manager Butch Hobson then called on Ducks closer Bill Simas.

“It’s funny how it worked out,” Valentine said. “I knew I was going to face only one or two hitters and he [Simas] was going to come in because they wanted to get everyone into the game in front of the scouts.

“This is of course a more laid-back situation. For everybody promoting this area to get the fans back out here, I thought it was a great event.”

Simas induced a ground ball that first baseman Vito Chiaravolloti couldn’t field. The play was ruled a hit and put runners on the corners. Simas forced a slowly hit ball but it went far enough to allow Tom Collaro to score on the groundout, extending the Freedom Division’s lead to 5-3 heading into the ninth.

Before Benitez’s breakdown, Liberty manager Butch Hobson called on Simas in the eighth just to get him into the game in front of 20 scouts. Simas ended up needing to pitch the ninth, turning a five-out effort into a win. Hobson said Simas was OK with the extra workload and gave him permission for the extended duty. The Ducks do not resume play until Thursday, giving Simas an extra day of rest.

“He was fine. I just wanted to make sure I got him in the game,” Hobson said. “I don’t want to see anybody get hurt. With eight pitchers, you want to make sure everybody gets their opportunity.

Notes: QuackerJack, who has lost every single race at Citibank Park when he goes up against children, finally was able to claim victory. The Ducks mascot defeated a field of other Atlantic League mascots in a race around the bases before the top of the seventh.

It was all easy going for the ‘Fish in game one as Luis Lopez connected for his second home run in five days after Adam Greenberg reached base on a single. The two run cushion was all Jackson (5-3) would need as he cruised towards the victory.

Greenberg crossed the plate again for Bridgeport in the seventh inning when Enohel Polanco hit an RBI triple.

Lopez was the hero in Bridgeport’s extra inning walk off victory on June 3 against the Long Island Ducks.  Lopez hit a walk off home run to left field on the first pitch he saw from Robert Paulk in the bottom of the tenth inning.  With a flip of the bat and a loud eruption from the Bluefish bench, the ‘Fish escaped from a possible Ducks sweep in the second series of the season-long battle for the Ferry Cup.

Esteban Yan was fantastic on the mound, allowing only two runs on eight hits and one walk, while striking out one on just 81 pitches.  Yan has now had four straight quality starts.

Andy Weimer entered in the ninth inning, and was just as good, throwing two innings of scoreless ball to earn his first victory of the year.  The righty only gave up two hits and a walk.

Though in the second game of the doubleheader, Sean Smith led off the bottom half of the first inning with a home run and turned Bridgeport’s ignition right off.  Corey Lee got tagged for his fourth loss of the season, giving up a season high seven earned runs on six hits in his shortest outing of the year, lasting two and one-third innings.

On Saturday night, Bridgeport erupted for a season high 17 hits and defeated the Patriots 8-7.  Brandon Sing jumped out of his hitting slump in a big way, going 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBI and two walks.  Sing’s night was capped off with his eight home run of the year, a solo blast in the seventh inning.

Yet, Sing was not the only Bluefish to contribute, as the entire lineup had at least one hit and six players had two or more base knocks in the victory.

Dan Reichert (5-4) had a season high seven strikeouts in six innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits.

Matt Pike earned his first save of the season, coming into the game in the eighth inning with two outs and two on.  Pike retired the next two batters in order, striking out Travis Anderson to end the inning.  Another strike out in the ninth inning by Matt Pike, this one to Anthony Granato, granted the Bluefish the victory.

It was a good rebound victory, as the ‘Fish got stomped on by the Pat’s the previous night, 11-2.  It was Somerset’s seventh straight victory.

Bluefish starter Gary Knotts could not survive a troublesome fourth inning, getting chased after three and two-thirds innings pitched.  The former Major Leaguer gave up nine runs (four earned) on nine hits and one walk, while striking out one.

The beginning of the week was no better when Bridgeport took on Long Island.  The Ducks took the first game of the three game series 9-1.  Starter Kyle Jackson suffered the loss after allowing six runs on eight hits, one walk and three strikeouts in six and two-thirds innings.  Three of the runs given up were with two outs in the seventh inning.

Franklin Perez made his first appearance since a stint on the disable list and Long Island slugger Ray Navarrete welcomed him back with a two run home run on Perez’s first pitch.

Bridgeport’s 3-2 loss on June 2 to the Ducks was just as painful, losing a 3-2 heartbreaker in 11 innings.

Bluefish starter Corey Lee excelled in his first Ferry Cup Series start of the year, allowing only two runs on nine hits, while striking out six over eight innings of work. Casey Hoorelbeke added two shutout innings of relief to keep the game within reach, before Matt Pike (1-2) suffered the tough loss in 11^th

The ‘Fish had an opportunity to win it in the bottom of the tenth when the Ducks loaded the bases by intentionally walking Luis Lopez with one out after Todd Davison walked. Adam Greenberg proceeded to sacrifice bunt him to second base and Tyrone Pendergrass then reached base on an error.  With the bases loaded, Brandon Sing struck out swinging and Jesse Hoorelbeke struck out looking to end Bridgeport’s chances.

In an up and down week, the Bluefish failed to finish above .500 and now find themselves with a record of 17-25. The ‘Fish trail first place Southern Maryland by eight and a half games in the Liberty Division.

Up Next: The Bluefish begin a six game home-stand at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard Tuesday night against the Lancaster Barnstormers at 7:05.

The Week Ahead

June 9-11 vs. Lancaster Barnstormers

Player to Watch: Ryan Mulhern had five RBI in three games against Bridgeport earlier this season.

June 12-14 vs. Southern Maryland

Player to Watch: Travis Garcia led the Atlantic League in hits going into Sunday with 58 and is batting .276 against Bridgeport.

‘Fish Facts

Who’s Hot: Luis Lopez now has two home runs in his past five games.  Lopez is hitting .350 over his past five games with four RBI and three runs scored.

Who’s Cold: Corey Lee has been lights out at home this season with a 1.47 ERA but on the road Lee has struggled and after yesterday’s tough outing Lee’s road ERA has now risen to 7.09.

Polanco Swimming in New Tank: On June 4 the Bluefish acquired Enohel Polanco from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs for future considerations.  Polanco is currently hitting .467.

Mateo making a Splash in Durham:  Henry Mateo ’s hot hitting as a member of the Bluefish has now carried over to the Durham Bulls (AAA, Tampa Bay).  Mateo is batting .315 with nine runs in 15 games. The former Bluefish was also named the Atlantic League Player of the Month of May.  Before being signed by Tampa Bay, Mateo led the league with a .416 batting average, while scoring 25 runs, stealing seven bases, and posting a .473 on-base percentage.

Caligiuri Earns himself a Pair of Wings: The Anaheim Angels purchased the contract of infielder Jay Caligiuri on June 4.  Caligiuri reported to Arkansas (AA, Angels) of the Texas League.  Caligiuri had a team leading .404 on base percentage and was batting .289 with 19 RBI in 37 games.

Rogers off to Reno: On June 1 the Arizona Diamondbacks purchased the contract of shortstop Ed Rogers.  Rogers has been assigned to Reno (AAA, Diamondbacks) of the Pacific Coast League.  The 30-year old played in 33 games for the ‘Fish and had a .299 batting average.

There he was, Armando Benitez, wearing No. 48, as he trotted in to close the Newark Bears eventual 7-3 win.

Of course a dunker and a walk put two runners on, but Benitez recorded the save – after all this wasn’t the playoffs – as Long Island wanted to put this match behind them.

“It was one of those games,” said Ducks manager Gary Carter. “Our starting pitcher goes four innings and throws 84 pitches and our middle guy Mike Hrynio throws 51 pitches. It’s not what you are looking for.”

That starter was B.J. Lamura, who Carter described as the team’s No. 5 man. Getting roughed up early, the Ronkonkoma native gave up two in the first highlighted by Rob Mackowiak’s two-out double into left-center field. And then the Bears added another run in the second to get a 3-0 lead.

The Ducks did come back though thanks to Johnny Hernandez’s homer making it 3-2.

Yet that was all the closest Long Island could muster on the chilly night. Since former Duck Carl Everett gave Newark its fourth run on his fourth homer of the season.

“You have to give Newark credit though, they are a good team,” Carter said. “It’s just one of those things. Tomorrow is another day and Newark has done well in the other division. We just have to keep holding our own.”

Time might be getting short for Lamura who is now 0-3 on the season, as Carter said he is looking for “guys he can rely on.”

Just as Newark is looking to lean on their bullpen and shorten games. Besides the former Met closer, the Bears also have former White Sox ninth inning guy Keith Foulke who pitched a scoreless eighth. Although it’s not Putz to K-Rod, it is a formidable one-two punch for the Atlantic League.

“They have the most major league experience,” Carter said. “Foulke has a lot of saves as does Benitez. Obviously the right answer is to get to their starting staff early, because they have a very strong bullpen.”

The Ducks will look to do that tonight as they continue their four games series against the Bears. Long Island will look to rough up Bears starter Edgar Martinez, while the Flock will send their admiral to the mound with former Yankee Brad Halsey toeing the rubber.

Notes: It was Knights of Columbus night at Citibank Park as the fraternal organization took part in all the pre-game ceremonies and sponsored clock night….Preston Wilson is still rehabbing his knee, and is days away from playing.