Long Island begins “Drive to the Title” on Wednesday at home
(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2015) – The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today held a team workout on the field at Bethpage Ballpark in preparation for their 10th postseason appearance in the past 12 seasons. Players and coaches took part in defensive drills, bullpen sessions and batting practice before members of the media under bright sunshine and cool temperatures.
Ducks Manager Kevin Baez and Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie have both announced their roster and starting pitcher rotations for the 2015 Liberty Division Championship Series. The best-of-five series will begin with Game One on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:35 p.m. from Bethpage Ballpark.
The following are the pitching match-ups and schedule for the Liberty Division Championship Series:
Game One: Wednesday, September 23 – 6:35 p.m. at Bethpage Ballpark
[SP] LHP Roy Merritt (8-6, 2.88 ERA) vs. [LI] RHP John Brownell (12-6, 3.38 ERA)
Game Two: Thursday, September 24 – 6:35 p.m. at Bethpage Ballpark
[SP] RHP Mickey Storey (12-3, 2.53 ERA) vs. [LI] LHP Darin Downs (4-5, 3.85 ERA)
Game Three: Friday, September 25 – 7:05 p.m. at TD Bank Ballpark
[LI] RHP Bobby Blevins (4-4, 3.82 ERA) vs. [SP] LHP Matt Zielinski (8-4, 2.86 ERA)
Game Four: Saturday, September 26 – 7:05 p.m. at TD Bank Ballpark (if necessary)
[LI] RHP Bruce Kern (9-6, 3.51 ERA) vs. [SP] TBD
Game Five: Sunday, September 27 – 5:05 p.m. at TD Bank Ballpark (if necessary)
[LI] TBD vs. [SP] TBD
Long Island’s Liberty Division Championship Series roster will consist of 13 pitchers and 12 position players. Behind the plate, Mike Blanke and Alex Marquez will serve as the team’s catchers. Among the infielders will be Sean Burroughs, Carlos Hughes, Dan Lyons, Cody Puckett, Elmer Reyes and Randy Ruiz. Outfielders on the roster include Delta Cleary, Jr., Lew Ford, Fehlandt Lentini and Anthony Vega. In addition to Long Island’s four starting pitchers, the pitching staff will include right-handers Mariel Checo, Frank DeJiulio, Jr., Amalio Diaz, Ricardo Gomez, Ryan Kussmaul, Ian Marshall and Nick Struck along with left-handers Patrick Crider and J.C. Romero.
Prior to each home playoff game, the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive “Drive to the Title” Rally Towels, courtesy of News 12. The Ducks will also be hosting food drives at each playoff game in conjunction with Island Harvest Food Bank. Fans are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items by dropping them off in the collection bins located on the plaza outside the ballpark.
Tickets for all potential Ducks postseason games are now on sale. Fans can purchase their tickets at the Bethpage Ballpark box office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX or by CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make it out to the ballpark can follow every playoff game either online or on the radio. Games One and Two will feature live streaming video and audio on the Ducks’ official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/ducksbaseball. Games Three through Five can be heard on Ducks’ flagship radio station, 103.9 FM LI News Radio, and online by CLICKING HERE.
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