(Central Islip, N.Y., July 6, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks clinched the first half Liberty Division championship on Saturday night by virtue of their win on Friday over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs and the Somerset Patriots loss to the High Point Rockers on Saturday.
The Ducks, with a 42-26 record on the season, win the division for the first half and earn a guaranteed berth to the 2019 Atlantic League playoffs. This marks the fifth consecutive season in which the Ducks have earned a trip to the postseason, the past three of which have seen the Flock earn the Liberty Division championship.
Long Island collects its sixth first half championship in franchise history and first since 2016, which they also clinched at Bethpage Ballpark. The Ducks also won the first half in 2004, 2006, 2011 and 2012. In addition, the Ducks have punched their ticket to the Atlantic League playoffs for the 14th time in the past 16 seasons dating back to 2004.
The Ducks begin their quest for a fourth Atlantic League championship following the conclusion of the 2019 regular season on September 22. Long Island has earned the right to select which games they will host during the Liberty Division Championship Series, and that announcement will be made at a later date. Should they advance, the Ducks would host Games One and Two of the Atlantic League Championship Series against the Freedom Division champion.
Tickets to Long Island Ducks postseason games will go on sale at a later date. Stay tuned to LIDucks.com for further information regarding the playoff ticket on-sale date.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs wrap up their three-game series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Sunday afternoon. Game time is slated for 5:05 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 4:05 (3:50 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Yellow and Navy Ducks Baseballs, courtesy of Yellow Dog Lawn Care. It’s also a Sunday Family Funday, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Prior to the game, fans will be invited onto the field for an autograph session with the Ducks from 4:20 to 4:35 p.m. After the game, kids and kids at heart can take part in Kids Run the Bases. Right-hander Pedro Beato (0-1, 12.27) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Daryl Thompson (5-6, 3.89).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the 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 video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel.
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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