(Bridgewater, N.J., May 3, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Somerset Patriots 6-5 in 11 innings on Thursday night in the finale of a three-game series at TD Bank Ballpark.
Somerset took a 3-0 lead in the second inning against Ducks starter Bennett Parry, as RBI singles from Mike Fransoso and Adam Weisenburger highlighted the inning. Long Island answered right back in the third when David Washington lifted a two-out, three-run home run to left-center field off Patriots starter Cory Riordan.
Fransoso gave the Patriots the lead back in the fourth when he snuck a line drive solo homer over the wall in right. However, the Ducks pulled back even at four in the sixth on Daniel Fields’ RBI single to right. Lew Ford put Long Island in front with a two-out RBI double to right in the seventh, but an RBI single by Justin Trapp in the bottom of the frame tied the game at five.
It remained that way until the bottom of the 11th when the Patriots rallied with two outs for the win. Following two singles and an intentional walk, Justin Pacchioli grounded an RBI single up the middle to end the ballgame.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Parry lasted five innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out six. Riordan pitched six innings, giving up four runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. Randy McCurry (1-0) collected the win after pitching a scoreless 11th inning. Dennis O’Grady (0-1) suffered the loss, yielding three hits and a run in two-thirds of an inning.
Ford and Audie Afenir each had two hits to pace the Flock.
The Ducks return to Long Island on Friday for Opening Night at Bethpage Ballpark, as they begin a three-game series with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the 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. Right-hander Jair Jurrjens (0-1, 9.00) gets the start for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Sean O’Sullivan (0-1, 15.00).
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. 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 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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