2013 Ducks introduced to the ‘Faithful Flock’

(Central Islip, N.Y., April 13, 2013) – The Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks hosted their first-ever Fan Fest Saturday at Bethpage Ballpark, with Long Islanders getting to meet the 2013 Ducks for the very first time. Fans were also able to watch the Ducks defeat the Bridgeport Bluefish 1-0 after nine innings in the team’s first Spring Training game of the year. Both teams played four extra innings to allow pitchers to get their work in.

The two starters put up zeroes for the first three innings. Bill Murphy allowed just two hits while striking out one while former Duck Mike Parisi yielded three hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Both sides traded scoreless frames until the bottom of the eighth when Ducks catcher Ralph Henriquez uncorked a solo homer to right off Bluefish righty Mickey Jannis.

The Bluefish did not scratch out a run until the top of the 13th inning on a RBI single to center by Danny Mayora. However, Long Island answered with a run in their half of the inning on a run-scoring error off the bat of Rian Kiniry. Ducks pitchers combined to allow seven hits in 13 innings, surrendering just three walks while striking out seven.

The Ducks and Bluefish will take the field again on Sunday for the second half of their home-and-home Spring Training series. Game time is slated for 1:05 p.m. from The Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The exhibition schedule will then continue on Tuesday, April 16 in Sugar Land, Texas against the Skeeters, with first pitch slated for 8:05 p.m. Eastern time.

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. The Ducks begin their defense of the Atlantic League Championship on April 18 at the Sugar Land Skeeters. Opening Day at Bethpage Ballpark is April 26, as the Ducks host the Sugar Land Skeeters at 7:05 PM. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
 

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