Pair of two-run innings prove to be the difference
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 13, 2015) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Bridgeport Bluefish 7-3 on Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
GAME AUDIO: Highlights from the middle game of the series
POSTGAME VIDEO: Kevin Baez and Ian Marshall talk about the game
Bridgeport scored the first run of the game in the third inning on a RBI single to left field by Sean Burroughs off of Ducks starter Ian Marshall. Another run in the fourth on a two-out RBI single to left-center by Luis An. Rodriguez doubled the lead to two. The Ducks responded with two runs off of Bluefish starter Scott Maine in the bottom of the fourth to pull even. Jose Morales’ RBI single and Dan Lyons’ bases loaded walk did the damage.
However, the Bluefish took the lead back for good in the sixth on a RBI single by Rodriguez and a bases loaded walk to Burroughs. Two more runs in the seventh on Joe Alonso’s RBI double and James Simmons’ RBI single pushed the advantage to 6-2. Lew Ford launched a solo home run to left in the seventh to cut the deficit to three, but Long Island could get no closer.
Maine (1-1) picked up the win, tossing five innings, giving up two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two. Nick Struck (1-1) took the loss after surrendering two runs in one-third of an inning in relief. Marshall did not factor into the decision, as the righty allowed two runs on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts in five innings.
Ford led the Flock with three hits and finished just a triple shy of the cycle for a second consecutive night.
The Ducks and Bluefish wrap up their three-game set 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 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Justin Davies #4 Jersey Pin as part three of six in the 2015 Collector’s Series. It’s also Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark! The Duck Club Restaurant/Bar, normally reserved for VIP/Season Ticket Holders only, will be open to all fans during the game! The bar will feature drink specials, including half price domestics, while the restaurant will include special menu selections.
Tickets to the game and all Ducks home games are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. It’s the “Ducks Game of the Week,” and those unable to make it to the ballpark can follow all the action on the Ducks’ flagship radio station, 103.9-FM LI News Radio. Live streaming video and audio will also ve available on the Ducks’ official YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE. Left-hander Eric Niesen toes the rubber for Long Island against Bridgeport righty Cory Riordan.
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Duck Tales: With three more hits on Wednesday night, Ford earned his eighth multi-hit game of the season. That moves him one ahead of Cody Puckett for the team lead. In addition, he now has multiple hits in four consecutive games and in six of his last 12 contests. Over his last four games, Ford has 11 hits in 16 at-bats (.688 average) with three doubles, two home runs, seven RBI and five runs scored. His solo home run in the seventh was his third of the year and second in as many nights…Despite taking a no-decision, Ian Marshall continued to pitch well at home this year. In two starts, he has allowed just two earned runs over 11 innings of work (1.64 ERA). Opponents have just nine hits and four walks while striking out five times against Marshall at Bethpage Ballpark. Overall, the first-year Duck now has a 2.57 ERA.