(Central Islip, N.Y., July 26, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Sugar Land Skeeters 5-4 on Wednesday afternoon in the middle game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Long Island took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run triple to center field by Marc Krauss off Skeeters starter Bobby Blevins. Another pair of runs in the third on Krauss’ RBI double and Angelo Songco’s RBI single extended the advantage to four.
Sugar Land closed to within 4-2 in the sixth on a two-run homer to left by Josh Prince off Ducks starter Matt Larkins. Single runs in the seventh and eighth tied the game at four. An RBI double by Santiago Nessy and an RBI single by Wilfredo Rodriguez did the damage.
The Skeeters took the lead for good in the ninth. Following a single and two walks, Travis Scott lifted a sacrifice fly to right-center, scoring Derek Miller.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Larkins lasted five and two-thirds innings, giving up two runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four. Blevins pitched five and one-third innings, yielding four runs on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Scott Maine (1-1) picked up the win with a scoreless inning of relief, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out two. David Aardsma (1-1) took the loss, giving up a run on a hit and two walks in one-third of an inning. Mark Haynes collected his sixth save with a scoreless ninth.
Krauss led the Flock with three more hits and a walk, finishing a home run shy of the cycle, and drove in three runs. The Ducks and Skeeters wrap up their three-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 Poster graphically designed by Ducks outfielder Delta Cleary Jr., courtesy of Montauk Brewing Co. It’s also a Thirsty Thursday, and the Duck Club restaurant and bar will be open for all fans to enjoy. There will be food and drink special, including half price domestics. Left-hander Rafael Perez (6-6, 4.23) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Dustin Richardson (1-4, 3.99).
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.