Ducks and Patriots Split Tuesday Twin Bill

(Central Islip, N.Y., June 20, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks split a single admission doubleheader with the Somerset Patriots on Tuesday night at Bethpage Ballpark, winning the opener 8-4 before falling in game two 8-2.

Somerset took a 1-0 lead in the first inning of game one on an RBI single by Greg Golson off Ducks starter Henry Hirsch. Long Island answered in the bottom of the frame with an RBI single from Angelo Songco off Patriots starter Lucas Irvine. An RBI triple from Scott Kelly in the second put the Patriots back on top, but Lew Ford’s run-scoring groundout and another RBI single from Songco in the third put the Ducks ahead 3-2.

The Patriots briefly tied the game in the top of the fourth on an RBI double by Alfredo Rodriguez. However, a four-run bottom of the frame gave Long Island the lead for good at 7-3. Run-scoring doubles from Anthony Vega and Songco, along with a two-run single by Elmer Reyes, highlighted the inning.

Both sides traded runs in the fifth to round out the scoring. A sacrifice fly off the bat of Aharon Eggleston and an RBI double by Fehlandt Lentini made it an 8-4 ballgame.

Neither starter factored into the decision. Hirsch pitched three and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks while striking out three. Irvine lasted three innings, yielding three runs on seven hits and a walk with one strikeout. John Lannan (1-0) collected the win in his Ducks debut after recording the final out of the fourth inning to strand two on base. Logan Darnell (3-2) suffered the loss, surrendering five runs on six hits and a walk in three innings.

Christian Marrero opened the scoring for the Patriots in game two with an RBI double in the second inning off Ducks starter Matt Larkins. Two more runs in the fourth on Tyler Bortnick’s RBI single and a wild pitch increased the lead to three.

Somerset doubled their lead with a three-run fifth inning. Carlos Guzman’s RBI single and a two-run home run to left field by Kyle Roller did the damage. Anthony Vega put the Ducks on the scoreboard with a two-run home run to center field off Patriots starter Will Oliver in the bottom of the fifth.

Oliver did not factor into the decision but pitched four and one-third innings of two-run ball, giving up seven hits and two walks while striking out three. Duane Below (4-1) picked up the win after pitching two and two-thirds scoreless innings of relief, yielding just one hit while striking out two. Larkins (2-6) took the loss, allowing six runs on nine hits and a walk over five innings with six strikeouts.

Vega and Songco each finished the day with three hits and three RBI to lead the Flock, while Vega scored four times.

The Ducks and Patriots continue their four-game set on Wednesday night. 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). It’s a Waddle In Wednesday at the ballpark, and a special item in the Waddle In Shop will be available at a 20% discount all game long. It’s also an Unused Ticket Day! If you could not make it out to a game earlier this season and are still in possession of your unused tickets, you may exchange them at the Bethpage Ballpark box office for a ticket of equal or lesser value to Wednesday’s game, subject to availability. Right-hander Alfredo Simon (0-1, 9.00) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Patriots righty Jerome Williams (2-3, 5.40).

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. 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.

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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