(Central Islip, N.Y., June 22, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Somerset Patriots 9-2 on Thursday night in the finale of a four-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Somerset struck first in the second inning when Tyler Bortnick was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Single runs over the next four innings extended their lead to five. An RBI double by Kyle Roller and a solo home run by Greg Golson highlighted the scoring. Two more runs came across in the seventh on an RBI single by Christian Marrero and a bases loaded walk to Scott Kelly.
Long Island got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh when Lew Ford cranked a solo home run over the left field wall. Jordan Pacheco added a mammoth solo homer off the scoreboard in left-center one inning later.
Patriots starter David Kubiak (3-5) earned the win with seven innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out nine. Ducks starter Dennis O’Grady (3-4) took the loss, yielding four runs (three earned) on four hits and five walks while striking out five in five innings.
Ford led the Flock with three hits in the game, coming just a triple shy of the cycle. The Ducks hit the road on Friday to begin a seven-game series in Texas against the Sugar Land Skeeters. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT from Constellation Field. Fans 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. Left-hander Rafael Perez (4-2, 3.63) gets the start for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Jake Hale (4-1, 2.65).
Long Island returns home on Friday, June 30 to kick off a three-game series with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. 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 Fowl Pole Friday at the ballpark, and if a select Ducks player hits a home run off of either foul pole, one lucky fan will win $50,000. The Ducks will also be running their Pizza Hut K-Man promotion. If the Blue Crabs player that is designated as the K-Man strikes out during the game, fans will receive a FREE 1-Topping Personal Pan Pizza at a participating Pizza Hut location. 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.
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.