(Sugar Land, Texas, May 30, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Sugar Land Skeeters 6-5 on Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Bennett Parry was sensational on the mound for Long Island, though he did not factor into the decision. The southpaw tied a franchise single-game record with 14 strikeouts, equaling the mark set three times before, most recently by Tim Melville on June 7, 2017 at New Britain. Parry conceded just one run on five hits and two walks over five and two-thirds innings of work on Wednesday.
Travis Snider opened the scoring in the top of the fifth inning with a two-out, two-strike, two-run double to left-center field off Skeeters starter Konner Wade. The Skeeters closed to within a run in the bottom of the sixth on a two-out RBI double to left-center off the bat of Denis Phipps.
Sugar Land took the lead with three two-out runs in the seventh inning against Rob Rogers, highlighted by RBI singles from Matt Chavez and Phipps. However, Long Island answered back in the eighth, as Daniel Fields connected for a two-out, three-run double to left field off Felipe Paulino that put the Ducks on top 5-4.
It stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth when with two outs, Derek Norris was hit by a pitch. Courtney Hawkins followed with a two-run home run to left that won the game for the Skeeters.
Wade did not factor into the decision but pitched five innings, allowing two unearned runs on eight hits and a walk with two strikeouts. Hunter Cervenka (2-1) collected the win after pitching a scoreless top of the ninth inning. Vinnie Pestano (1-1) took the loss, surrendering two runs on one hit in two-thirds of an inning.
Snider, Fields, Emilio Bonifacio and Ramon Cabrera each had two hits to lead Long Island.
The Ducks and Skeeters wrap up their three-game set on Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 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. Left-hander Jake Fisher (2-0, 3.48) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Casey Coleman (0-0, 3.00).
Long Island returns home on Friday, June 1 to begin a three-game series with the New Britain Bees. 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). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Black Duffel Bags, courtesy of Fairfield Properties. It’s also a Bowlero Friday! As fans exit the ballpark following the game, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for a special “buy one game of bowling, get one free” offer, courtesy of Bowlero. In addition, the Red Robin K-Man promotion will be taking place! A Bees player will be designated as the K-Man for the game, and if he strikes out, all fans in a lucky section of the ballpark will win a “buy one entree, get one half off” discount, courtesy of Red Robin. Tickets to 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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