Road Warriors Claim Back-and-Forth Series Opener

(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 2, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Road Warriors 9-7 on Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.

The Ducks jumped out to an early 4-0 lead with two runs in the first inning and two in the third off Road Warriors starter Alberto Rodriguez. Travis Snider’s RBI single, Taylor Ard’s RBI triple and a two-run home run to center field by Snider did the damage.

The Road Warriors tied the game with a four-run fourth against Ducks starter Hector Silvestre, highlighted by a three-run homer from Jorge Fernandez-Diaz. Long Island answered though in the bottom of the frame with a sac fly from Jordany Valdespin and an RBI double by Daniel Fields to take a 6-4 lead.

Back-to-back two-out RBI hits by Geraldo Valentin and Isaac Wenrich tied the game at six in the sixth inning. A sac fly from Snider in the sixth put the Ducks back ahead, but Osvaldo Martinez’s run-scoring groundout in the seventh evened the score at seven. Wenrich’s two-run homer to right-center in the eighth put the visitors on top by two.

Neither starter factored into the decision. Silvestre lasted four innings, yielding four runs on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Rodriguez pitched five innings, allowing six runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out seven. Felix Baez-Pool (3-7) earned the win, pitching two and one-third innings of relief and giving up one run on one hit with two strikeouts. Logan Ondrusek (0-1) took the loss, conceding two runs on two hits and a walk in one and two-thirds innings. Luis Cruz picked up his second save of the year by recording the game’s final five outs.

Snider led the Flock with three hits, four RBIs and two runs scored, adding a walk and a sac fly as well. Valdespin, Fields and Anthony Vega each added two hits. The Ducks and Road Warriors continue their four-game set on Friday 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 Bud Harrelson Appreciation Night, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. Prior to the game, the Ducks will host a special ceremony to honor and thank the baseball legend for all that he has done for the organization and Long Island. The festivities will be highlighted by the retirement of his #3 jersey. It’s also “The Great Plesser’s Giveaway”! The Ducks will select a lucky seat throughout the ballpark during every inning of the game. The fan holding the ticket to that seat will take home a Weber Smoky Joe Grill, courtesy of Plesser’s Appliances. Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular. Right-hander Matt Larkins (5-3, 3.83) gets the start for the Ducks against Road Warriors righty Michael Lee (2-5, 4.59).

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.

###

About the Author

Get connected with us on Social Media