Five-run fourth frame gives Long Island series victory over New Britain
(Photo courtesy of Joe Doll)
(New Britain, Conn., Aug. 1, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the New Britain Bees 6-4 on Thursday night in the final game of a three-game series at New Britain Stadium.
For the second straight day the Ducks scored in the top of the first inning, and this time it was T.J. Rivera plating the first run of the game, an RBI single to center. The Bees responded in the third inning when Bijan Rademacher hit a two-run single into center field to give New Britain the 2-1 lead.
However, the lead would not last long as Long Island put up a five-run top half of the fourth. An RBI single from Clint Freeman, a Rey Fuentes two-run double, a sacrifice fly from Rivera and an RBI double by L.J. Mazzilli highlighted the inning for the Ducks. The Bees cut their deficit in half after a two-run single off the bat of Jonathan Galvez in the fifth, totaling the score at 6-4.
Ducks starter Vin Mazzaro (4-4) picked up the win for Long Island after pitching five innings and allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and a walk with four strikeouts. Akeel Morris (2-2) was tagged with the loss for New Britain, yielding six runs on eight hits and four walks, while striking out two batters. Michael Tonkin entered the game in the ninth and, after surrendering a one-out walk, induced a double play to end the game and earn his fifth save of the season.
L.J. Mazzilli led the Ducks offensively, going 3-3 with a double, RBI and a walk.
Long Island returns home on Friday, August 2, to begin a three-game series against the High Point Rockers. Right-hander Seth Simmons (5-6, 5.59) gets the start for the Ducks against Rockers righty Joe Van Meter (5-3, 2.71). 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 Ducks will be hosting a special 20th Anniversary Celebration at the ballpark, and following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. 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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