Jordany Valdespin collects two hits, two RBI in series opener
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 11, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Sugar Land Skeeters 5-3 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Sugar Land took a 2-0 lead in the second inning against Ducks starter Jair Jurrjens on a double play ball off the bat of Barrett Barnes and an RBI single by Courtney Hawkins. Three more runs in the fourth extended their lead to 5-0. Hawkins’ RBI double, Alvaro Rondon’s RBI single and a sacrifice fly from Colin Walsh did the damage.
Long Island plated their first run of the game in the sixth when Wilkin Castillo doubled and scored on Jordany Valdespin’s broken-bat RBI single to right field off Skeeters starter Brett Marshall. The Ducks then closed to within 5-3 in the eighth on Valdespin’s RBI triple to right and a sac fly to center off the bat of Emilio Bonifacio. However, they could not pull even.
Marshall (1-0) earned the win, tossing seven innings of one-run ball, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out four. Jurrjens (1-2) took the loss, surrendering five runs on 10 hits and a walk over six innings with two strikeouts. Felipe Paulino collected his third save with a scoreless ninth.
Valdespin led the Flock offensively with two hits and two RBI.
The Ducks and Skeeters continue their three-game set on Saturday 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular. In addition, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at Dick’s Sporting Goods to fans as they exit the ballpark following the fireworks show. Left-hander Jake Fisher (1-0, 6.30) takes the mound for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Tyler Badamo (1-1, 4.82).
Tickets to the game, and all 2018 Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark 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 HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on the Ducks official Facebook page, YouTube channel and at LIDucks.com.
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)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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