(Sugar Land, Texas, Sept. 15, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters 8-4 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Constellation Field.
Sugar Land took a 2-0 lead in the first inning against Ducks starter Matt Marsh on an RBI single by Travis Scott and an RBI double by Bryan Pounds. Single runs in the third and fourth on Scott’s solo home run to right and a wild pitch that plated Caleb Ramsey doubled the lead to four.
It would stay that way until the seventh when the Ducks batted around against relievers Scott Maine and Julio DePaula to tie the game at four. An RBI single to shortstop by Dan Lyons, a two-run single to center by Giovanny Alfonzo and an RBI single to left-center by Elmer Reyes highlighted the inning.
The Ducks took a 6-4 lead in the eighth with two runs off Andrew Johnston on an RBI single up the middle by Alex Burg and an RBI infield single to third by Delta Cleary Jr. Burg and Cleary Jr. both picked up RBI singles with two outs in the ninth to extend the advantage to four.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Marsh pitched five innings, allowing four runs on six hits and four walks while striking out seven. Patrick Mincey tossed six scoreless innings for the Skeeters, giving up four hits and a walk with three strikeouts. Dustin Richardson (2-4) got the win for Long Island after recording the final two outs of the seventh to strand the go-ahead run on base. Johnston (2-5) suffered the loss, surrendering two runs on three hits and two walks in one inning.
Burg and Cleary Jr. each had three hits and two RBI to lead the Flock at the plate. Alfonzo added two hits and two RBI, while Marc Krauss collected two hits and scored twice. Four Ducks relievers combined to pitch four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out two.
The Ducks and Skeeters continue their three-game set on Saturday night. Game time is slated for 6:05 p.m. CDT from Constellation Field. 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 Jake Dunning (2-2, 3.37) takes the mound for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Mitch Talbot (9-3, 3.11).
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 38 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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