Long Island Falls To New Britain 5-3

(New Britain, Conn., Aug. 25, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks fell to the New Britain Bees 5-3 on Friday night at New Britain Stadium in the opening game of a three-game series.

New Britain (20-26; 46-70) took the lead in the bottom of the first when Tyler Levine walked James Skelton and allowed a double to Michael Crouse to lead off the game. Two batters later Craig Maddox grounded out to second base to plate Skelton and give the Bees a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, Crouse padded the Bees advantage with a two-run single, and Conor Bierfeldt doubled home a run in the sixth to expand the gap to 4-0. Levine (3-1) allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings of work, striking out three and walking one.

Long Island (29-19; 65-53) got on the board in the top of the seventh, when Derrick Pyles drove Ruben Gotay home with a single off Nick Greenwood. Giovanny Alfonzo followed with an RBI single off reliever Nate Roe to cut the lead to 4-2. Greenwood (3-4) was charged with two runs on six hits in 6.2 innings, striking out five and not issuing a walk.

The Ducks struck again in the top of the eighth, with Gotay collecting an RBI double to plate Audie Afenir and slice the deficit to 4-3. However, the Bees added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth, and Sean Gilblair finished off the 5-3 win for his 15th save of the season.

Jordan Hinshaw went 3-for-5 with a double in his first game back against the Bees after he was traded from the club to the Ducks on August 22. Gotay added two hits, and Zac Treece struck out the side in order in his one inning of relief. The Ducks continue their three-game series against the Bees on Saturday.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from New Britain 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 John Brownell (8-3, 3.53) gets the start for the Ducks against Bees righty Kyle Simon (9-10, 4.19).

Long Island returns home on Monday, August 28 to begin a four-game series against the York Revolution. 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 the 12th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night at the ballpark, and following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular. Various breast cancer awareness organizations and coalitions from around Long Island will have tables set up on the main concourse behind home plate, and the Ducks will be wearing special pink jerseys that will be auctioned off from the time the gates open through the top of the seventh inning. Fans will be able to place their bids on the jerseys by visiting the auction tables located outside the Waddle In Shop. 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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