Six pitchers combine for six-hit shutout; regular season begins Thursday at Somerset

(Central Islip, N.Y., April 19, 2016) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Long Island Black Sox 4-0 on Tuesday afternoon in the fourth and final game of the 2016 spring training schedule.

Long Island struck for three two-out runs in the second off of former Duck Matt Soren. Fehlandt Lentini’s RBI single to left field capped a 12-pitch at-bat, and Delta Cleary Jr. followed with a two-run single to left. The Ducks added a run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly to right off the bat of Lentini.

Ducks starter Mark Blackmar pitched four scoreless innings, giving up just four hits while striking out seven batters. James Lomangino, Frank DeJiulio Jr., Eury De La Rosa, Dan Blewett and Amalio Diaz each threw a scoreless inning of relief, combining to allow two hits and one walk with six strikeouts. Soren lasted four innings for the Black Sox, yielding three runs on nine hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

Lew Ford and Black Barber led the Flock at the plate with two hits apiece.

The Ducks will begin the 2016 regular season on Thursday, April 21 when they visit the Somerset Patriots to open a four-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from TD Bank Ballpark. Fans can follow all of the action live on the Ducks’ flagship radio station, 103.9-FM LI News Radio, as the “Ducks Game of the Week.” Streaming audio will also be available online by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander and 2015 Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year John Brownell gets the start for the Ducks against Patriots righty Mickey Storey.

Following a week-long road trip, Long Island will return home on Thursday, April 28 for the 2016 home opener 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). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Bud Harrelson Garden Gnomes, courtesy of P.C. Richard and Son. Fans are also encouraged to arrive early for a special pre-game ceremony recognizing two Ducks players along with traditional Opening Night pomp and circumstance. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark 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)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 34 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15{f7b134541f126dcd33819b5eec9a91dff238b58155023223dba97c27371a7fb5} of the US population.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.

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