Ducks bullpen preserves big early lead before sold out crowd
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 3, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters 5-3 on Wednesday night before a past-capacity crowd of 6,540 at Bethpage Ballpark.
Long Island’s offense exploded for four runs in the first inning off Skeeters starter Matt Purke. RBI singles by Deibinson Romero and Lew Ford, along with an RBI groundout from David Washington, highlighted the inning. Sugar Land closed to within 4-1 in the second on Alberto Cordero’s sacrifice fly to right field off Ducks starter Jake Fisher.
Single runs in the third and fourth on Jason Martinson’s RBI double and a run-scoring fielder’s choice off the bat of Javier Betancourt closed the gap to one. However, Sugar Land would get no closer, and an RBI double to right by Kirk Nieuwenhuis in the seventh rounded out the scoring.
Fisher did not factor into the decision but lasted four innings, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three. Vin Mazzaro (3-4) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief, walking one while striking out two. Purke (2-4) took the loss, conceding four runs (three earned) on three hits and four walks over four and two-thirds innings with two strikeouts. Enrique Burgos earned his ninth save of the year with a perfect ninth, striking out two.
Long Island’s bullpen combined for five scoreless innings of relief to preserve the win, yielding just one hit and one walk while striking out five batters.
The Ducks and Skeeters wrap up their four-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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, the biggest fireworks show of the 2019 season. It’s a Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark, and fans will be able to enjoy drink specials, including half-price Bud and Bud Lights, in the brand new Adult Zone located down the left field line. Ducks staff members also will be handing out free delicious and nutritious protein bars, courtesy of RXBAR, as fans exit the ballpark (while supplies last). Left-hander Darin Downs (0-2, 3.22) gets the ball for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Christian Bergman (0-1, 10.95).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the 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 video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel.
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.
###
