(Central Islip, N.Y., July 5, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 1-0 on Wednesday night in the third game of a four-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Ducks starter Matt Larkins (3-6) stole the spotlight, twirling a complete game shutout to secure the victory. The right-hander allowed just one hit on the night, a bloop single to right-center field off the bat of Vladimir Frias in the third inning. He surrendered two walks and struck out 10 batters, a single-game career high. He threw a total of 109 pitches, 74 of which were strikes.
Long Island plated the only run it would need to get the win in the bottom of the first inning. After Delta Cleary Jr. singled to left field off of Barnstormers starter Brad Bergesen with one out, Lew Ford followed an RBI double to the right-center field gap. Bergesen (4-6) suffered the hard luck loss, giving up one run on four hits and a walk while striking out four batters.
Cleary Jr. finished with two hits to lead the Flock offensively. Ford and Dan Lyons also collected hits for Long Island.
The Ducks and Barnstormers wrap up their four-game set on Thursday 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). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Frisbees, courtesy of the YMCA of Long Island. It’s also a Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark, and all fans are invited to visit the Duck Club restaurant and bar, normally reserved for VIP/season ticket holders, on the suite level. There will be both drink and food specials featured, including half price domestics. Right-hander Alfredo Simon (0-2, 7.71) gets the ball for the Ducks against Barnstormers southpaw Tommy Shirley (0-1, 8.52).
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 37 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.