Central Islip, N.Y., July 31, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Somerset Patriots 2-1 on Tuesday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Both teams exchanged zeroes until the top of the fourth inning. Mike Fransoso singled with two outs and then came around to score on an RBI double by Justin Pacchioli to put the Patriots in front.
It stayed that way until the bottom of the seventh. Taylor Ard doubled down the left field line off Patriots starter Vince Molesky, moved to third on a groundout and scored on Ramon Cabrera’s sacrifice fly to right, tying the game at one.
One inning later, the Ducks took the lead for good. Emilio Bonifacio singled to center with two outs and then came around to score on Travis Snider’s RBI double to left-center field. Somerset put the tying run at second and the go-ahead run at first in the ninth, but Pacchioli struck out to end the ballgame.
Ducks starter Jake Fisher (5-5) earned the win, tossing eight innings of one-run ball, allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out seven. Logan Kensing (2-3) took the loss, yielding a run on two hits in one inning of relief. Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 18th save of the season with a scoreless ninth. Molesky did not factor into the decision but gave up a run on four hits and two walks over seven innings with four strikeouts.
Bonifacio led the Flock offensively with a pair of hits.
The Ducks and Patriots wrap up their three-game set on Wednesday night. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at a special time of 4:40 p.m. for a pre-game charity softball game featuring the Oyster Bay Police Department and QSAC (Quality Services for the Autism Community). It’s a Waddle In Wednesday at the ballpark! During the game, a special item in the Waddle In Shop will be available at an exclusive discount. This week’s featured item will be announced on LIDucks.com the morning of the game and throughout the evening from inside the ballpark. Right-hander Tyler Badamo (4-6, 4.38) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Patriots southpaw Duane Below (6-2, 3.54).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX, CLICKING HEREor downloading the Ducks mobile app. 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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