L.I. Ducks: Clinch Liberty Division Flag; Defense Of Title Awaits

From the desk of:   THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

 

Long Island Ducks:

2012 Atlantic League Champions

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Shaun Garceau Pitches Complete Game Two Hitter Over Patriots As The Flock Clinches Second Half Liberty Division Title.

LONG ISLAND WILL MEET THE SOUTHERN MARYLAND BLUE CRABS

IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE 2013 ATLANTIC LEAGUE PLAYOFFS.

Sometimes when you need something done, you have to do it yourself.  That's perhaps what Long Island starting pitcher Shaun Garceau and the Ducks had in mind as they took on the Somerset Patriots.  They entered Saturday night's action with a magic number of one with two games to play.

While the Bridgeport Bluefish were keeping pace and putting a whooping on Camden, Shaun Gaeceau took the mound against the Somerset Patriots and fired seven full innings, allowed just one hit, walked one batter and struck out six.

Through five innings, the Ducks and Patriots played through a scoreless game.  Somerset starter Graham Taylor was almost as effective against Long Island, pitching six innings, allowing just one run on five hits.  He walked none and struck out two before being removed from the game.

Long Island scored the game's first run in the sixth inning when Lew Ford doubled, and later came around to score when Bryant Nelson grounded into a fielder's choice.  In the seventh inning, the Ducks score three times off reliever Jim Hoey - an unearned run and Lew Ford's two RBI gave the Ducks a 4-0 lead.

Shaun Garceau surrendered only his second hit in the bottom of the eighth, but was helped out with an inning ending double-play.  After the Ducks went down quietly in the top of the ninth, Shaun Garceau climbed the hill in the bottom of the final frame.  He struck out the final Patriots batter he faced to top-off a complete game, two hit shutout victory.  Garcaeu finished the game allowing just one walk and struck out eight.

Finally, in the second to last game of the season, the Long Island Ducks have captured the second half Liberty Division flag, and are headed for the 2013 post-season where they will attempt to defend their 2012 Atlantic League crown.



Mike.BTB