Ducks score two in final two innings but suffer first defeat of 2019
(Photo courtesy of Joe Doll)
(Lancaster, Pa., April 29, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Lancaster Barnstormers 4-2 on Monday night in the opener of a four-game series at Clipper Magazine Stadium.
All four of Lancaster’s runs came in the third inning against Ducks starter Brett Marshall. Following two walks, Caleb Gindl lifted a three-run home run to right-center field. An RBI double by K.C. Hobson three batters later extended the advantage to four.
After being kept off the scoreboard for the first seven innings, the Ducks rallied late against Lancaster’s bullpen. An RBI double by Kirk Nieuwenhuis in the eighth off reliever Matt Marksberry closed the gap to 4-1. Hector Sanchez, who threw out three runners attempting to steal in the game, delivered an RBI single to right in the ninth off Cody Eppley to make it a two-run ballgame. Long Island then put the tying runs on base, but they could not pull even.
Barnstormers starter Buddy Baumann (1-0) earned the win, tossing five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out seven batters. Marshall (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering four runs on four hits and four walks over five innings with four strikeouts. Eppley picked up his first save of the season despite allowing a run on two hits and a walk in the ninth.
Tucker Healy pitched a scoreless inning in the seventh for the Ducks with two strikeouts. Jose Cuas followed with a pair of scoreless innings in relief, striking out two as well.
The Ducks and Barnstormers continue their four-game set on Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Clipper Magazine Stadium. 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. Left-hander Jake Fisher takes the mound for the Ducks against Barnstormers righty and former Duck Scott Shuman.
Long Island returns home for Opening Night at Bethpage Ballpark on Friday, May 3, when the Ducks host the Revolution. 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 Wally Backman Bobbleheads, courtesy of P.C. Richard & Son. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:15 p.m. to enjoy pre-game team introductions and traditional Opening Night pomp and circumstance. 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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