Long Island overcomes pair of two-run deficits and earn 10-inning victory
(Photo courtesy of Joe Doll)
(Bridgewater, N.J., June 29, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Somerset Patriots 6-4 in 10 innings on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at TD Bank Ballpark.
The Patriots took a 2-0 lead in the third inning when Justin Pacchioli lined a two-run home run to left field off Ducks starter Darin Downs. Long Island responded with single runs in the fourth and seventh innings to tie the game at two. A run-scoring groundout off the bat of L.J. Mazzilli and a two-out RBI double by Deibinson Romero highlighted the offense.
However, Somerset answered back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the seventh to take the lead back at 4-2. A two-out RBI double by Jimmy Paredes and a run-scoring wild pitch did the damage.
Long Island rallied once more to tie the game in the ninth against Patriots closer Mike Antonini. Ezequiel Carrera scored on an RBI fielder’s choice off the bat of Romero, and Mazzilli came in to score on Rey Navarro’s throwing error, which occurred on the same play. A two-run 10th inning gave the Flock their first lead of the night. Vladimir Frias’ RBI single and another throwing error that scored Ramon Cabrera highlighted the frame.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Downs pitched six innings of two-run ball, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out eight. Kubiak tossed eight innings of two-run ball, yielding four this and a walk with five strikeouts. Michael Tonkin (1-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, yielding one hit while striking out three. Luis Cruz (1-2) took the loss, surrendering two unearned runs on two hits in one inning of relief.
Carrera led the Flock with two hits and two runs, while Cabrera recorded two hits as well.
The Ducks and Patriots wrap up their three-game set on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. from TD Bank Ballpark. Fans 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. Right-hander Travis Banwart (3-0, 0.70) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Patriots southpaw Brett Oberholtzer (5-1, 4.11).
Long Island returns home on Monday, July 1, to begin a four-game series against the Sugar Land Skeeters. 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 2019 Ducks Team Photos, courtesy of Pro Game Athletics and StrengthHeals. It’s also a K-Man Merch Monday! A designated player on the Skeeters will be selected as that evening’s K-Man. If the K-Man strikes out during the game, fans will receive a 10{884dfb0db890ca4b9aa9c8f124c744951daa861093bbb80643f2df37aa6cdf5d} savings on a select item in the Waddle In Shop. For each additional strikeout by the K-Man, the discounts will continue to grow! 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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