Barnstormers Claim See-Saw Series Finale

(Central Islip, N.Y., July 6, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Lancaster Barnstormers 7-6 on Thursday night in the finale of a four-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.

The Ducks dented the scoreboard first with four runs in the second inning off of Barnstormers starter Tommy Shirley. Jordan Pacheco’s RBI double, Giovanny Alfonzo’s RBI single and a two-run double by Fehlandt Lentini highlighted the scoring.

Lancaster rallied back to tie the game with a run in the fourth and three in the fifth off of Ducks starter Alfredo Simon. A run-scoring wild pitch, RBI doubles by Vladimir Frias and Caleb Gindl and an RBI triple by Tyler Clark did the damage.

Lew Ford put the Ducks back in front at 5-4 with a leadoff solo home run to left in the bottom of the fifth. A run-scoring fielder’s choice off the bat of Lastings Milledge in the sixth tied the game once again. Long Island took a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the eighth on Pacheco’s RBI infield single to third base. However, Gindl’s two-run homer to right in the ninth gave the Barnstormers the lead for good.

Neither starter factored into the decision. Simon pitched four and two-thirds innings, yielding four runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk with two strikeouts. Shirley lasted three innings, giving up four runs on five hits and three walks with one strikeout. Scott Shuman (2-0) collected the win despite allowing a run on two hits and a walk in the eighth. Amalio Diaz (2-1) suffered the loss, surrendering two runs on two hits while striking out four in an inning and two-thirds. Anthony Carter picked up his 16th save with a scoreless ninth inning.

Five different Ducks had two hits apiece to lead the offense. Pacheco and Lentini each drove in two runs.

The Ducks hit the road on Friday to open up a three-game series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from Regency Furniture Stadium. 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 Dennis O’Grady (4-5, 5.05) gets the start for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Daryl Thompson (5-4, 3.91).

Long Island returns home following the Atlantic League All-Star break on Friday, July 14 to begin a three-game series against the Somerset Patriots. 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 Anti-Bullying Night at the ballpark, and the first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Commemorative Pennants, courtesy of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying. It’s also a Fowl Pole Friday, and fans have a chance to win $50,000 if a select Ducks player hits a home run off one of the foul poles. In addition, if the Patriots player designated as the K-Man strikes out during the game, all fans will receive a coupon good for a free 1-topping personal 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 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.

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