(Bridgewater, N.J., May 1, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Somerset Patriots 6-4 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at TD Bank Ballpark.
Long Island’s offense went to work early, plating two runs in the first inning and another in the second against Patriots starter Rick Teasley. Tyler Holt’s RBI single and sacrifice flies from Lew Ford and Dan Lyons accounted for the runs.
Somerset closed to within 3-2 in the fifth on a throwing error by Ducks starter Andrew Barbosa, which scored Yovan Gonzalez, and a run-scoring groundout from Endy Chavez. The Ducks increased their lead to 4-2 in the sixth on a solo home run to left field by Lew Ford, and they added two more runs in the seventh on a two-run single to left by Jordany Valdespin.
The Patriots trimmed Long Island’s lead to 6-4 in the bottom of the inning on Julio Borbon’s two-run homer to right. However, they would get no closer, stranding a runner on base in each of the final three innings.
Barbosa (1-0) picked up the win, tossing five innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out six. Teasley (0-1) took the loss, yielding three runs on four hits and a walk over four innings with three strikeouts. Vinnie Pestano earned his second save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning.
Valdespin led the Flock with two hits and two RBI, while Ford drove in two runs as well.
The Ducks and Patriots continue their three-game set on Wednesday night. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m. at TD Bank Ballpark. 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 Matt Larkins takes the mound for the Ducks against Patriots lefty Duane Below.
Following a week-long, season-opening road trip, the Ducks will return to Long Island for Opening Night on Friday, May 4 against the Blue Crabs. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive QuackerJack OYO Minifigures, courtesy of P.C. Richard & Son. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:15 to enjoy team introductions and traditional Opening Night pomp and circumstance. Tickets for the game, and all 2018 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 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 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.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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