(New Britain, Conn., Aug. 27, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks fell to the New Britain Bees 8-7 on Sunday afternoon at New Britain Stadium in the finale of a three-game series.
Delta Cleary Jr. created havoc on the basepaths in the top of the first which led to a Long Island (30-20; 66-54) run. On an attempted steal of second base, catcher Ivan Villaescusa’s throw sailed into centerfield, and Cleary Jr. raced to third. Centerfielder Michael Crouse’s throw to third bounded into the Ducks dugout, allowing a run to score, giving Long Island a 1-0 lead.
The Ducks tacked on another tally against Jonathan Pettibone in the top of the second on an Audie Afenir RBI double, and Marc Krauss clobbered a two-run home run in the third to put the club ahead 4-0. The round-tripper was Krauss’ 19th of the season, the second most on the team.
New Britain (21-27; 47-71) responded with five runs in the bottom of the fourth against Rafael Perez, highlighted by a grand slam by Jon Griffin to take a 5-4 lead. However, the Ducks regained a 6-5 advantage by plating a pair of runs off Pettibone in the top of the fifth.
The Bees got back-to-back RBI singles from Crouse and Jovan Rosa in the bottom of the fifth to take a 7-6 lead, but a wild pitch from Brandon Fry scored Jordan Hinshaw in the top of the sixth to even the score at seven all.
In the bottom of the eighth, Rob Rogers allowed a leadoff double to Rosa, who was pinch-ran for by Jake McGuiggan. A sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch brought McGuiggan in to score and gave the Bees an 8-7 advantage.
Brandon League (2-2) got the win in relief for the Bees, while Rogers (4-1) took the loss for the Ducks. Shawn Gilblair set Long Island down in the ninth to earn his 16th save of the season. Five Ducks batters finished with two hits, while Krauss paced the Ducks with two RBIs.
Long Island returns home on Monday 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). 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 Matt Larkins (7-6, 3.65 ERA) takes the mound for the Ducks, while the Revolution have not announced a starter.
Monday is 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.