(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 20, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 6-5 in walk-off fashion on Sunday evening in the rubber game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
The Barnstormers took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on an RBI single by Nate Coronado off Ducks starter Henderson Alvarez. Josh Bell’s two-out, two-run double in the third stretched the lead to 3-0, and a passed ball that plated Sean Halton in the fourth extended the advantage to four.
Long Island closed to within 4-2 in the sixth on an RBI double by Marc Krauss and an RBI single by Ruben Gotay off Barnstormers starter Brad Bergesen. Angelo Songco tied the game at four in the eighth with a two-out, two-run homer to right on the first pitch he saw.
Lancaster took the lead back in the ninth on an RBI single up the middle by Anderson De La Rosa that scored Lastings Milledge. However, the Ducks answered back in the bottom of the frame to earn the win. Following back-to-back hits by Derrick Pyles and Audie Afenir, Delta Cleary Jr. laced an RBI single to right-center to tie the game at five. Dan Lyons followed with a sac fly to center that plated the winning run.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Alvarez pitched seven innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits and two walks with one strikeout. Bergesen lasted six and two-thirds innings, yielding two runs on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Patrick Crider (1-5) collected the win after striking out Beau Amaral for the final out of the ninth inning. Anthony Carter (4-3) suffered the loss, allowing two runs on three hits in one-third of an inning.
Five different Ducks collected two hits to lead the way. Songco finished with two hits, two RBI and a run, while Krauss totaled two hits, and RBI and two runs.
The Ducks continue their homestand on Monday night when they open a four-game series against the Sugar Land Skeeters. 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 Suffolk County Boy Scouts Night at the ballpark, presented by Bridgehampton National Bank, and the first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks T-Shirts. It’s also a Military Monday, and active military members (with valid military ID) will receive a special $7 ticket offer when purchasing tickets to the game at the Bethpage Ballpark box office (subject to availability). Right-hander John Brownell (8-3, 3.53) gets the start for the Ducks.
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.