(Sugar Land, Texas, June 23, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters 5-1 on Friday night in the opener of a seven-game series at Constellation Field.
Long Island opened the scoring in the second inning with three consecutive two-out hits against Sugar Land starter Jake Hale, including a two-run double to right field by Giovanny Alfonzo. It stayed that way until the sixth when the Ducks strung together four consecutive hits to open the frame. An RBI double down the left field line by Alex Burg and a two-run single to left-center by Elmer Reyes increased the lead to 5-0.
The Skeeters plated a run in the bottom of the sixth against Ducks starter Rafael Perez. Following two singles and a two-out walk, Hector Olivera scored on a passed ball. However, Rob Rogers came on to induce a force out at third off the bat of Bryan Pounds to end the threat.
Perez (5-2) earned the win, pitching five and two-thirds innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out three. Hale (4-2) suffered the losss, surrendering five runs on nine hits over five innings of work. Rogers went on to throw two and one-third scoreless innings of relief, yielding just one hit. Amalio Diaz then struck out the side in the ninth after giving up a hit and a walk to seal the win.
Reyes led the Flock with three hits and two RBI on the night. Angelo Songco and Ruben Gotay each added two hits.
The Ducks and Skeeters continue their seven-game set on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 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. Right-hander John Brownell (4-1, 3.15) takes the mound for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Bobby Blevins (4-3, 4.63).
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.
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