Ducks fans enjoy fun-filled day and first home spring training game
(Central Islip, N.Y., April 16, 2016) – The Long Island Ducks held their Fourth Annual Fan Fest at Bethpage Ballpark on Saturday. Fans were treated to a host of fun activities throughout the morning and afternoon, including exclusive events for season ticket holders and Kids Club members. The Faithful Flock also were introduced to the 2016 Ducks for the first time this year and were able to watch the team take batting practice as well as face the Bridgeport Bluefish in a spring training game.
The Ducks were defeated by the Bluefish 6-2 in the second game of the spring training schedule.
Cody Puckett opened the scoring in the second inning with a RBI fielder’s choice to put the Ducks in front 1-0. Sean Burroughs rounded it out with a run-scoring single to left-center in the eighth.
Bridgeport’s offense was fueled by a two-run fifth and a three-run sixth. RBI singles by Endy Chavez, Carlos Sosa and Jiwan James highlighted the scoring. A run-scoring single by Ruben Sosa Jr. in the eighth capped their offense.
Ducks starter John Brownell threw four hitless innings, yielding just one walk while striking out three. Bluefish starter R.J. Hively also pitched four innings, allowing one run on one hit and three walks with two strikeouts. Darin Downs, Amalio Diaz and Todd Coffey also pitched for Long Island. David Kubiak, Brian Moran and Eric Niesen each took the mound for Bridgeport.
Burroughs led the Flock offensively with two hits.
The Ducks continue their spring training schedule on Monday when they host the first of back-to-back games against the semi-pro Long Island Black Sox. Game time is slated for 12:00 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 11:30 a.m. Right-hander Jack Snodgrass will get the start for the Ducks. Admission to the game is free for full season ticket holders, while a $5 donation to the QuackerJack Foundation will apply for all other fans.
Long Island will begin the 2016 regular season on Thursday, April 21 when the visit the Somerset Patriots to open a four-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from TD Bank Ballpark. Following a week-long road trip to start the season, the Ducks 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. 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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