L.I. Ducks: Flock Victory Creates 3-Way Tie For First Place

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

SHOWDOWN in SOMERSET

Ducks lead series 2-1

I - SOM 5: LID 4

II - LID 8; SOM 7

III - LID 1; SOM 0

IV - THURSDAY

GAME FOUR

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Somerset Patriots

FROM

Some Ballpark in New Jersey

Long Island Ducks: Flock Causes a Crowd Atop Liberty Division Standings.

Make that two mules and a Fish...

Long Island's 13-inning victory over the Patriots in Somerset Wednesday evening created a 3-way tie for the Liberty Division lead.

The Webbed Nine out-hit the Patriots by a 12-5 margin, but left 11 runners on base.  Delta Cleary Jr. and Mike Blake accounted for half of Long Island's hits with a combined 6 for 12 at the plate.  Sean Burroughs added two more hits.

But it was Cody Puckett who eventually emerged as the latest Ducks hero, with the game's winning sac-fly RBI in the top of the 13th inning, Cleary scored.

However, game kudos belong to Long Island's combined effort on the mound.

Bobby Blevins lasted 8 full innings, and battled mound opponent Matt Zielinski for 7 scoreless frames.  Blevins put forth his finest effort since returning to the Flock in late June.  He faced 27 batters, and threw 90 pitches with 63 (70%) going for strikes.  He allowed 3 scattered hits, walked none, and fanned 4 batters upon exiting to a no-decision.

Long Island's bullpen put forth commendable work as well.  Five Ducks relievers combined to pitch 5 scoreless innings, allowed just 2 hits, walked a pair, and fanned 4 batters.

After suffering his second straight loss in Monday's series opener, Buckner pitched the 12th inning earning his 8th victory of the season.  Amalio Diaz pitched the 13th, earning his second save in consecutive nights, giving him 10 for the season.  Usual closer Ryan Kussmaul pitched a scoreless 11th inning.

The Ducks are now 13-5 in August.

Winning Thursday's series finale is now a matter of seizing the moment.