(Central Islip, N.Y., June 4, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 6-5 on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Lancaster opened the scoring with a two-run second inning against Ducks starter Matt Larkins on Trayvon Robinson’s RBI groundout and Nate Coronado’s sacrifice fly to right field. Long Island pulled to within one on Taylor Ard’s solo home run to left in the bottom of the inning off Barnstormers starter Steve Johnson.
Blake Gailen gave the Barnstormers their two-run lead back in the third with a solo homer to right-center. Back-to-back RBI singles though by Travis Snider and Lew Ford in the bottom of the frame evened the score at three.
Back-to-back sacrifice flies off the bats of Darian Sandford and Rico Noel in the fifth put the Barnstormers back ahead 5-3. However, Long Island struck for three runs in the bottom of the seventh to take the lead for good at 6-5. Snider’s sac fly to left and a two-out, two-run single to center by Daniel Fields did the damage.
Larkins (3-1) earned the win, tossing seven innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits and a walk while striking out three. Jared Lakind (1-2) took the loss, giving up three unearned runs on four hits and two walks in one and one-third innings of relief with two strikeouts. Francisco Rodriguez picked up his seventh save of the year, striking out the side in the ninth.
Snider, Ford and Ard each had two hits to lead the Flock. Snider added two RBIs, while Ford and Ard each drove in and scored one run.
The Ducks and Barnstormers continue their three-game set on Tuesday 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). It’s another Two-Fer Tuesday on Long Island! Fans purchasing tickets to the game online at LIDucks.com or via the Ducks mobile app can receive a special buy one, get one free offer by entering the promo code “BOGO” at checkout (max. four total tickets per transaction). Left-hander Bennett Parry (2-0, 2.12) takes the mound for the Ducks against Barnstormers southpaw Tommy Shirley (3-1, 6.41).
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. 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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