(New Britain, Conn., Aug. 26, 2017) – Three Long Island Ducks pitchers combined for a three-hit shutout of the New Britain Bees on Saturday night, as the Ducks won the middle game of a three-game series 3-0 at New Britain Stadium.
Long Island (30-19; 66-53) struck first in the top of the fourth inning against New Britain starter Kyle Simon. The Ducks strung together four consecutive two-out singles to take a 2-0 advantage, with Ruben Gotay and Elmer Reyes picking up RBIs.
The Bees (20-27; 46-71) had runners in scoring position in each of the first three innings against John Brownell (9-3), but could not score. The right-hander threw seven shutout innings, allowing two hits while walking four and striking out three. Brownell earned his first win in his last four starts, dating back to July 29 at Bridgeport.
In the top of the ninth, the Ducks added an insurance run against Simon (9-11) when Reyes’ sacrifice fly scored Marc Krauss from third to put the Ducks up 3-0. Despite the loss, Simon threw his Atlantic League-leading fifth complete game of the season, surrendering three runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out three.
Patrick Crider worked around a two-out double in the eighth to twirl a scoreless frame, and Amalio Diaz recorded his 13th save of the season by setting the Bees down 1-2-3 in the ninth.
The shutout was the seventh of the season recorded by the Long Island pitching staff, and the third in the month of August. Krauss led the Ducks offensively, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, while Reyes was 1-for-3 with 2 RBIs.
The Ducks complete their three-game series against the Bees on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 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. Left-hander Rafael Perez (8-7, 4.34 ERA) takes the mound for the Ducks, opposed by Bees righty Jonathan Pettibone (2-6, 4.48 ERA).
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.