(New Britain, Conn., May 14, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks split a doubleheader with the New Britain Bees Sunday at New Britain Stadium, winning the first game 3-1 and falling in the second 2-1.
The opener remained scoreless until the top of the fifth inning, when the Ducks (10-14) got on the scoreboard and took a 1-0 lead. With the bases loaded, Fehlandt Lentini grounded out to first base to plate Alex Burg. In the bottom of the fifth, Steve Carrillo brought home Jon Griffin with an RBI single to tie the game at one.
Long Island wasted no time in retaliating, stringing three straight hits together against Brandon Fry (0-2) to take a 2-1 lead. Marc Krauss’ single scored Elmer Reyes to give the Ducks the advantage, and Krauss scored later in the frame when Dan Lyons was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Rafael Perez (2-1) allowed one run in five innings, striking out five and walking two to earn the win for the Ducks. New Britain (8-15) starter Mike Lee did not factor in the decision after five shutout frames. Fry was tagged with the loss after allowing two runs without recording an out. David Aardsma was credited with his team-leading fourth save of the year.
The nightcap was a pitcher’s duel as well, with the Bees breaking a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth. Michael Baca led off the frame with a solo home run, and a Jovan Rosa single plated James Skelton to give New Britain a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the sixth, Elmer Reyes drove home Lentini with a groundout to the pitcher Brandon League to cut the advantage to 2-1, but Joe Beimel came in with two outs to stop the bleeding. The Ducks mustered a hit from Dan Lyons in the top of the seventh, his second of the game, but could not score.
Bees starter Brian Dupra (3-0) got the win by tossing five shutout innings, while Dennis O’Grady (1-1) took the loss after allowing two runs in four innings plus four batters in the fifth. O’Grady struck out a season-high six batters in the effort.
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, May 16 to open up another three-game series against the Revolution. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full-season ticket holders). Tuesday will be the annual “Bark in the Park” Night at the ballpark, and all fans wishing to bring their dog to the game must purchase a Pooch Pass in advance. Each pass is $13 and includes a game ticket in designated box seating sections as well as admission for one dog. Pooch Passes can be obtained by visiting the box office or going online to www.liducksgroups.com and typing in the password “pooch” when prompted. Individual tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
Fans can follow all the action online 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 Ducks send righty Tim Melville (0-2, 3.98) to the mound.
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.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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