(Central Islip, N.Y., June 9, 2009) – The Long Island Ducks split a doubleheader against the Camden Riversharks on Tuesday. The Ducks won the first game 3-0, while the Sharks took a 3-2 decision in the nightcap.
In the opener, the Flock used a three-run fifth inning, with Lew Ford, Ray Navarrete and Estee Harris each smacking two-out RBI singles to give the Flock the lead. Ducks’ starter Troy Cate tossed three shutout innings, while Robert Paulk (1-1) picked up the win firing two scoreless frames. Joe Valentine nailed down the save with a scoreless eighth and ninth, allowing just one base hit. It was the second shutout by Long Island this season.
In game two, the Sharks’ pitching staff held the Ducks at bay. Camden’s starter Ryan DiPietro stymied the Flock, surrendering just one run in his three innings of work. Mike Flannery, Felix Rodriguez (1-0) and Tracy Thorpe pitched the final four innings in scoreless fashion for the win.
Ducks’ starter Jake Dittler (1-3) fired six innings, allowing two hits and one unearned run, while striking out eight.
The Sharks, helped out by two unearned runs, snapped a four-game losing streak. In the defeat, Harris extended his hitting streak to 11-games and catcher Rob Sandora blasted his second homer of the season.
The Ducks and Riversharks continue their four-game set on Wednesday. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., and the Citibank Park gates open at 5:35. Julio Manon takes the mound for Long Island against Camden’s Nate Bump. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Chris King calling the play-by-play. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks home games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.
