Hector Sanchez’s three-hit performance not enough to complete sweep
(Bridgewater, N.J., June 30, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Somerset Patriots 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at TD Bank Ballpark.
The Ducks opened the scoring in the first inning on a two-out RBI double down the left field line by Lew Ford off Patriots starter Brett Oberholtzer. Somerset pulled even in the third inning on Justin Pacchioli’s RBI single to left field. A sacrifice fly to left field off the bat of Alfredo Rodriguez in the fourth put the Patriots on top 2-1.
Long Island tied the game at two in the sixth inning on Hector Sanchez’s two-out RBI single to center field. However, a solo home run to right by Will Kengor in the bottom of the inning off Ducks starter Travis Banwart put Somerset back ahead 3-2. Long Island put the tying runs in scoring position in both the seventh and ninth but could not pull back even.
Oberholtzer did not factor into the decision but lasted five innings, allowing an unearned run on seven hits while striking out three. James Pugliese (2-0) collected the win despite allowing a run on one hit and one walk in one inning of relief. Banwart (3-2) suffered the loss, yielding three runs on five hits and two walks over six innings with four strikeouts. Jonathan Cheshire recorded his first save of the year with two scoreless innings of relief, conceding just one hit while striking out three.
Sanchez led the Flock offensively with three hits and an RBI. Clint Freeman and Mariel Checo each threw a perfect inning of relief for Long Island.
The Ducks return home on Monday night 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{02aae7733b2202e1168617f4689001b2a9e9dd460b103893d306c0c4303fb195} savings on a select item in the Waddle In Shop. For each additional strikeout by the K-Man, the discounts will continue to grow! Right-hander Joe Iorio (3-0, 2.98) gets the start for the Ducks against a Skeeters starter to be determined.
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.
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