Downs tosses five innings of one-run ball while bullpen fires four scoreless frames
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 4, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters 3-1 on Thursday night before a past-capacity crowd of 7,312, the seventh-largest crowd in franchise history, at Bethpage Ballpark.
Ryan Jackson led off the game with a solo home run to left-center field off Ducks starter Darin Downs. Long Island evened the score in the third on Vladimir Frias’ RBI single to right-center off Skeeters starter Christian Bergman. A two-run single to center by David Washington in the fourth put the Ducks on top 3-1.
Downs and the Ducks bullpen maintained the lead from that point on. Downs stranded five men on base combined in the fourth and fifth innings. Rob Rogers, Cody Mincey and Enrique Burgos then combined for four scoreless innings of relief, yielding just a hit and three walks while striking out seven, to secure the win.
Downs (1-2) earned the victory, tossing five innings of one-run ball, allowing five hits and four walks while striking out seven. Bergman (0-2) took the loss, yielding three runs on seven hits and a walk over six and two-thirds innings with four strikeouts. Burgos picked up his 10th save of the season with a perfect ninth inning, striking out one.
Washington led the Flock offensively with two hits and two RBIs.
The Ducks continue their homestand on Friday night when they open a three-game series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. 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). It’s a Flashback Friday at the ballpark, and fans will be able to enjoy 2000 season pricing ($8/$9) on select Ducks individual game tickets purchased via the team’s in-game vendors (restrictions apply). In addition, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for a free regular sub (no purchase necessary) and $2 off any size sub at Jersey Mike’s Subs to fans as they exit the ballpark. Right-hander Travis Banwart (3-1, 1.42) gets the start for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Kyle Simon (1-4, 8.32).
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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