(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 1, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks met the Chapey’s Home Run Challenge on Friday night in the opener of a four-game series against the New Britain Bees. Angelo Songco’s two-run blast to right field in the sixth inning was Long Island’s 100th home run of the 2017 season.
Because they hit 100 home runs this year and met the challenge, Chapey & Sons Funeral Home will donate $5,000 to the QuackerJack Foundation. This marks the first time the Ducks have met Chapey’s Home Run Challenge since they hit 102 longballs as a team during the 2014 season. It came on Songco’s 21st home run of the season, the most among Ducks batters this year and tied for the third-most in the Atlantic League.
The Bees used the longball to fuel their offense during the game, as they hit five home runs to pick up the win. Craig Maddox led the way with three homers, including a pair of grand slams. He finished the game with four hits, 11 RBI and four runs to lead the Bees.
Kyle Simon (10-11) started and got the win for New Britain, pitching six innings of two-run ball, allowing nine hits and three walks while striking out four. Tyler Levine (3-2) started and took the loss for the Ducks, yielding 11 runs on 11 hits and two walks over four innings with three strikeouts.
Jordan Hinshaw, Delta Cleary Jr. and Elmer Reyes each had a pair of hits to lead the Flock offensively. Reliever Jose Velez dazzled on the mound for Long Island with two scoreless innings of relief, striking out five of the six hitters he faced.
The Ducks and Bees continue their four-game series on Saturday 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Suffolk County AME. In addition, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at Dick’s Sporting Goods to fans as they exit the ballpark following the fireworks show. Right-hander Matt Larkins (8-6, 3.69) takes the mound for the Ducks against Bees righty Jonathan Pettibone (2-6, 4.76).
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.
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