(Central Islip, N.Y., July 3, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks played for a past-capacity crowd of 7,167 fans Monday night at Bethpage Ballpark, but fell to the Lancaster Barnstormers, 5-0. Monday marked the third time this season and the Atlantic League-record 666th time overall that Bethpage Ballpark has seen a past-capacity crowd.
The Barnstormers (39-31, 1-0) took the lead in the top of the first against Ducks lefty Rafael Perez. Sean Halton drove home Caleb Gindl with a two-out double to hand Lancaster the early 1-0 advantage.
In the top of the fifth, the Barnstormers tacked on three more tallies against Perez (5-4) on five hits, including a two-run single from Gindl. The lefty completed five innings, allowing four runs on five hits, striking out five and not issuing a walk. It was the fifth time that Perez has not allowed a base on balls in a start this season.
Long Island (36-35, 0-1) threatened in the top of the sixth against Lancaster starter Rommie Lewis, placing runners on first and second with two outs, but could not push across a run. Lewis (5-5) did not allow a Duck runner to reach third base in his seven shutout frames, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out six.
Zac Treece threw a scoreless sixth inning and John Lannan threw a 1-2-3 seventh before allowing a run in the top of the eighth. He departed with two outs and the bases loaded, but Tyler Levine was able to strike out Rico Noel to end the threat. Levine remained in the contest to toss a scoreless ninth.
Lew Ford sparked the Ducks at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double. It was Ford’s third three-hit game of the season.
The Ducks continue their homestand on Tuesday night against the Lancaster Barnstormers. 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular. It’s also a Two-Fer Tuesday at the ballpark! Enter the promo code “BOGO” at checkout when buying tickets online at liducks.com to receive a buy one, get one free offer (subject to availability). Right-hander John Brownell (5-1, 2.76 ERA) will take the mound for the Ducks, while the Barnstormers send lefty Jarret Leverett (4-3, 5.11 ERA) to the bump.
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.