Pair launch home runs to lead Flock in series opener
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 17, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the New Britain Bees 5-2 on Friday night the opener of a four-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis gave the Ducks a 1-0 lead in the first inning with a solo home run to right field off Bees starter Cory Riordan. David Washington followed with a two-run blast to right in the second, increasing the lead to three.
New Britain got on the scoreboard in the fourth on Bijan Rademacher’s RBI infield single to third off Ducks starter Sean Nolin. However, an RBI double to right-center by Washington in the bottom of the frame pushed the lead back up to three at 4-1.
L.J. Mazzilli increased the advantage to 5-1 for Long Island with a run-scoring infield single in the seventh. Alejandro De Aza came home on a wild pitch in the eighth, closing the gap to three, but the Bees would get no closer.
Nolin (3-0) earned the win, tossing five innings of one-run ball, allowing seven hits while striking out six. Riordan (1-2) took the loss, surrendering four runs on eight hits in six innings with four strikeouts. Enrique Burgos collected his third save of the season with a perfect ninth inning, striking out one.
Washington led the Flock with two hits, three RBIs and a run. Nieuwenhuis, Mazzilli, Steve Lombardozzi and Hector Sanchez added two hits as well.
The Ducks and Bees continue their four-game set on Saturday with a day/night doubleheader. First pitch for the opener, which will be a seven-inning game, is scheduled for 1:05 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 12:05 (11:50 for full season ticket holders). Game time for the nightcap, which will be a nine-inning game, is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). Following game two, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, which will light the sky over the center field wall, presented by Long Island Teachers. In addition, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at Dick’s Sporting Goods to fans as they exit the ballpark following both games of the twin bill.
Tickets to the doubleheader, 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 games 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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