(Central Islip, N.Y., June 27, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the New Britain Bees 8-5 on Thursday night in the finale of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
New Britain opened the scoring in the second inning on Tyler Clark’s RBI double to left field off Ducks starter Kevin McAvoy. Two unearned runs in the third on an RBI groundout from Alejandro De Aza and a sacrifice fly to center off the bat of Jason Rogers extended the Bees lead to three.
Long Island closed to within 3-1 in the fourth on Lew Ford’s RBI double down the right field line off Bees starter Giovanni Soto. However, a four-run fifth inning, highlighted by Rogers’ two-run ground-rule double to center, increased New Britain’s lead to 7-1.
The Ducks rallied for three runs in the bottom of the fifth on Ezequiel Carrera’s RBI single to center and L.J. Mazzilli’s two-run double to left-center, closing the gap to 7-4. The two sides then traded runs in the eighth, but the Ducks would get no closer than 8-5.
Soto did not factor into the decision but lasted four and one-third innings, allowing four runs on eight hits while striking out five. Tyler Danish (2-0) earned the win after retiring all five batters he faced in relief, striking out one. McAvoy (0-1) took the loss, conceding six runs (four earned) on three hits and four walks over four innings while striking out four.
The Ducks hit the road on Friday to open a three-game series against the Somerset Patriots. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from TD Bank Ballpark. Fans can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel. Left-hander Jake Fisher (4-6, 5.16) gets the start for the Ducks against Patriots righty Liam O’Sullivan (3-4, 4.18).
Long Island returns home on Monday, July 1, to begin a four-game series against the Sugar Land Skeeters. 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 2019 Ducks Team Photos, courtesy of Pro Game Athletics and StrengthHeals. It’s also a K-Man Merch Monday! A designated player on the Skeeters will be selected as that evening’s K-Man. If the K-Man strikes out during the game, fans will receive a 10% savings on a select item in the Waddle In Shop. For each additional strikeout by the K-Man, the discounts will continue to grow! Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the 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)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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