Two-homer, four-hit night from Rey Fuentes not enough to top New Britain
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 24, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the New Britain Bees 9-8 on Wednesday night in game two of a day/night doubleheader at Bethpage Ballpark. CLICK HERE for the full recap from game one.
The Ducks offense exploded for seven runs in the second inning off Bees starter Devin Burke. A solo home run to right field and an RBI single to center by Rey Fuentes, an RBI triple to right-center by Vladimir Frias, a run-scoring single from Ezequiel Carrera and a three-run homer to right by Hector Sanchez highlighted the inning.
New Britain closed to within 7-2 in the fourth on a sacrifice fly to right off the bat of Jonathan Galvez and a run-scoring groundout from Jared James. Joe Poletsky’s solo homer to left in the fifth off Ducks starter Pedro Beato trimmed the Ducks lead to 7-3.
The Bees jumped in front 9-7 with a six-run eighth inning. An RBI single by James, a two-run single by Darren Ford and an RBI double from Zach Collier did the damage. Fuentes’ second homer of the day, a solo blast to left, brought the Ducks within a run in the bottom of the eighth, but they could not even things up.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Beato pitched six innings of three-run ball, allowing six hits and a walk while striking out five. Burke lasted five innings, giving up seven runs on 12 hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Chris Reed (1-0) picked up the win with two scoreless innings, striking out two. Zack Weiss (1-1) took the loss, conceding five runs on three hits and three walks in one inning. Michael Johnson collected his first save of the year with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
Fuentes led the Flock offensively with four hits, including two homers, driving in three runs while scoring twice.
The Ducks and Bees will wrap up their four-game series on Thursday 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). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive “Winning Takes Teamwork” Posters, courtesy of the YMCA of Long Island. It’s Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark! Fans will be able to enjoy drink specials, including half-price Bud and Bud Lights, in the brand new Adult Zone, located down the left field line. In addition, fans will be able to enjoy food and drink specials at the concession stands. It’s also an RXBAR Thursday! Ducks staff members will be handing out free delicious and nutritious protein bars, courtesy of RXBAR, as fans exit the ballpark (while supplies last).
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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