L.I. Ducks: On Not So Golden Pond

From the desk of:. THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Sugar Land Skeeters

* *  2016  * *

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Skeeters win series 3-0

I - SLS 7; LID 1

II - SLS 2; LID 0

III - SLS 5; LID 3

Long Island Ducks: Back to the Old Drawing Board.

As fate would have it, pitching turned out not being Long Island's phantom menace.

They entered the season very well armed with John Brownell, Darin Downs, Jack Snodgrass, Mark Blackmar, Bobby Blevins, and spot starter Bruce Kern manning the rotation.  On the strength of their depth, the Ducks nudged their way atop the Liberty Division to clinch a first-half title.

By July, however, the contracts of all but Brownell and Blevins had been purchased away, and the resulting net affects would be considerable.  Long Island's second-half 32-38 record, and last place finish says it all.

With the regular season winding down, pitchers Nick Struck, Matt Larkins, Jarrett Leverett, and Daniel Hererra were at least providing fans a sense of renewed hope for a successful playoff run.

Losing games One and Two of the Liberty Division series on the road at Somerset, then storming back to win three straight at Bethpage Ballpark, and deposing last year's champion was yet another reason for fans believing they could still pull off the improbable.

Then you look back at Game One of the championship series against the Sugar Land Skeeters and think, okay, the Ducks were rolling the dice by starting Bobby Blevins.  And yes, that scenario proved predictably problematic for the Long Islanders.

Blevins is coming off a terrible season, his worst as a Duck, ending with a 2-12 record 5.51 ERA, while allowing 154 hits in 127.1 innings pitched.  He wrapped up the regular season losing five of his last six games, surrendering 23 runs on 56 hits in 39.1 innings pitched.  The series opener at Sugar Land offered much of the same.  Bobby Blevins was relieved after just 4 innings of work, but not before surrendering six runs on nine hits.

But what choice did the Ducks have ... really?  John Brownell pitched games One and Five against the Patriots, and thus became unavailable against Sugar Land during games One through Three.

After dropping the first two games of the Atlantic League finals in Sugar Land (again), the Ducks needed yet another improbable three game comeback at the Pond.

Their run instead promptly ended, with Sugar Land completing the sweep with a 5-3 victory in Game Three at Bethpage Ballpark to capture their first ever league title.

Offensively speaking, Long Island's bats short circuited much in the same manner the 2011 Ducks' did during the 2011 finals against York.  That year's most potent offense of the league fell completely and ponderously silent during the finals.

In three games against the Skeeters, the Ducks hit a mere 19 for 95, for a .200 team average, were outscored 14-4, and shut out once.  Meanwhile, Coach Baez stuck with a regular line-up.  But his lead-off hitter only went 2 for 11, while the middle three, four, and five hitters, combined on just one RBI.

Neither Mark Blackmar nor Jack Snodgrass could have prevented that.

L.I. Ducks: Flock Force First Place Showdown Against Patriots

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Flock at the Gates!

Ducks lead Patriots 2-0

I - LID 9; SOM 3

II - LID 11; SOM 9

III - Sunday @ SOM

Long Island Ducks: Flock Continues Waddling Through Somerset Patriots; First Place Now Within Their Grasp.

After overwhelming Somerset on Friday, the Ducks withstood a fierce Patriots counter-attack Saturday, then regrouped, and somehow mounted a counter of their own to ultimately gain victory in Game Two of their weekend set.

Long Island assured themselves of their first series victory over the Patriots this season with a five run outburst in the top of the ninth inning, and will now attempt the sweep on Sunday.  Game Three could potentially see a transfer of first place in the Liberty Division, as the Ducks now trail the Patriots by a mere half game.

Ducks starter Bobby Blevins struggled, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and a walk, with two strikeouts.  Somerset finally knocked him out of the box with four runs in the fourth.

Patriots starter Jeremy Horst fared little better through five innings of work.  The Ducks, though, trailed 7-6 after eight innings of play.

The Atlantic League's new all-time saves leader, and former Ducks closer, Jon Hunton was summoned by Somerset to close out the ninth inning.  Instead, he faced nine batters, allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits for the loss.  With one out, Cody Puckett's RBI single, Mike Blanke's 2-RBI double, and another 2-RBI double by Matt Wessinger flipped the tables on what seemed like a sure Patriots victory.

Cody Puckett and Mike Blanke combined for 7-RBI, and Ruben Gotay resumed his hot hitting with a 3 for 4 night, with three runs scored and an RBI.

Waddling Tall

Since starting the season 1-6, the Ducks have gone 17-5 in their last 22 games, thus improving their record to 18-11 for the season.  Long Island has also scored 29 runs over their last three games.

A sweep of the Patriots would be ideal, as the Ducks and Patriots will not face each other again in the first half.

L.I. Ducks: Jack Snodgrass hurls gem over Somerset Patriots

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Patriots @ Ducks tied 1-1

I - SOM 4; LID 1

II - LID 1; SOM 0

Game Three

Somerset Patriots

vs.

Long Island Ducks

FROM

The Pond

Long Island Ducks: Jack Snodgrass tosses gem to snap five game losing streak against Somerset Patriots.

Ducks three games back of 1st place.

Somerset got the better of the Ducks during Tuesday's series opener at Bethpage Ballpark.  The 4-1 loss to the Patriots brought Long Island's eight game winning streak to a screeching halt.

Starter Bobby Blevins lasted 5.2 innings in a losing effort.  He allowed 4 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks, with 4 strikeouts.  Long Island's lone run came on Mike Blanke's solo shot in the 7th inning.

In Game Two, the Ducks took an early lead in the 2nd on Mike Dowd's 2-out RBI single.
After which, the Ducks required a gem from their starting pitcher, and got just that en route to a 1-0 whitewashing of the Patriots.

Jack Snodgrass won his third straight decision in impressive fashion, fanning 12 Patriots batters over 6 scoreless innings of 2 hit baseball, while issuing just one walk.  He now sports a 3-1 record and 3.27 ERA, with 33 strikeouts over 22 innings pitched.

Reliever Todd Coffey faced the minimum during a scoreless 9th for his 3rd save of the season.

• The Ducks are presently the hottest team in the Atlantic League, having gone 9-1 over their last 10 games.  After stumbling out of the gate with a 1-6 record, the Ducks have gone 10-1 since.

• After starting the season 13-0. the first place Patriots have cooled off of late, with just a par 5-5 record over their last 10 games.

After the Patriots retreat upon conclusion of Thursday's series finale, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs will move in for a four game weekend series.

L.I. Ducks: Gone Fishing; Ferry Cup Series 2016

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

FERRY CUP 2016

Bluefish lead all-time series over Ducks 

158-154

The Bridgeport Bluefish last qualified for the playoffs in 2010, when they advanced beyond the first round only to get turned back in the Atlantic League championship series by the York Revolution.  The following season, Bridgeport then lost a Liberty Division play-in game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.  The times have been relatively quiet at Harbor Yard since.

The Bridgeport Nine captured their lone Atlantic League title in 1999, but own the distinction of winning the most games all-time of any member club in Atlantic League history.

That said, they have certainly enjoyed better starts in previous seasons.  The Fish are now losers of four straight games after dropping a double-header on Wednesday against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.  They enter this weekend's Ferry Cup series in last place of the Liberty Division with a sub-par 5-9 record.

However, there's seemingly never a dull moment whenever these rivals meet.  This weekend in Bridgeport should be no different.

Six game winning streak

The Ducks have officially put their 1-6 start behind them.  After Wednesday's rain postponement, Long Island won both games of Thursday's abbreviated make-up double-header, completing a series sweep over the Lancaster Barnstormers.

After having won 6 straight games, they'll enter this weekend's series against rival Bridgeport with a 7-6 record.

Bobby Blevins toed the rubber in Thursday's first game against Lancaster.  He threw six scoreless innings, allowed just 4 hits, walked none, and fanned 4 batters, but walked off to a no decision.  The Ducks and Barnstormers traded zeroes right up to the moment Lancaster reliever Scott Gracey walked home the winning run in the bottom of the 7th inning.  Todd Coffey earned the victory in relief.

In Game Two, starting pitcher Jack Snodgrass earned his second consecutive victory of the season.   He hurled 6 innings for a second straight game as well, allowing 3 earned runs on 7 hits and 2 walks, with 7 strikeouts.  In his previous start against Southern Maryland, Jack allowed just one earned run on 5 hits and 3 walks, with 9 strikeouts.

After being limited to just 3 hits in Game One, the Ducks exploded for 14 hits and 13 runs in the night cap.  Lead-off hitter Fehlandt Lentini was 2 for 4 with 3 RBI.  Delta Cleary Jr. went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI.

L.I. Ducks: Sweet and Sour Start

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

OPENING DAY

Blue Crabs   4

DUCKS         6

FINAL

GAME TWO

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

(LHP - Scott Snodgrass)

vs.

Long Island Ducks

(LHP - Jack Snodgrass)

YOU READ THAT RIGHT...

FROM

THE POND

Long Island Ducks: Anxiety Over Poor Start Eased by Opening Day Victory.

Opening Day was a success.  Long Island Ducks fans were treated to a 6-4 victory over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in the season's first game at Bethpage Ballpark.

Starter Bobby Blevins pitched 5 innings in posting his first win of the season, and Todd Coffey registered his first save.  Delta Cleary Jr, and Sean Burroughs led offensively with 2 RBI apiece.

Okay, terrific...

Unfortunately, Thursday night's Opening Day victory was only their second of this very young season, and merely tied them with these very same Blue Crabs for the worst start among this season's Atlantic League members.

For both Long Island and Southern Maryland, their respective 2-6 records gives this four game weekend series all the context we need.

With regard to the Liberty Division standings, the Ducks now trail the undefeated (8-0) Somerset Patriots by six games.  The Patriots swept Long Island in the opening series of the season at Somerset.  The migrating Flock then proceeded to drop 2 of 3 games in Connecticut against the newly minted New Britain Bees.

L.I. Ducks: Talkin' Quack ~ 2016 Season Preview

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC  LEAGUE

CHAMPIONS

2004      2012      2013

2015 

Overall Record

80-59

The Long Island Ducks 17th Season is Underway...

We left off with the Somerset Patriots eliminating the Long Island Ducks from last year's Atlantic League playoffs.

The two wasted little time resuming their rivalry, opening the 2016 regular season with a four game weekend series at TD Bank Ballpark.

The season's first call to Play Ball was made Thursday, featuring Ducks ace John Brownell versus the quite familiar Patriots starter Mickey Storey.  The game remained tied at three through six innings of play, earning both starting pitchers a no decision.

The Patriots charged ahead with a five run outburst in the 7th, and added another in the 8th, giving Somerset a final 9-3 margin of victory.

Ducks off to an 0-2 start

Darin Downs climbed the hill for the Ducks Friday evening in Game Two, and was opposed by Somerset's Jeremy Horst.  Despite a solid effort from Downs, the Patriots claimed a 5-2 victory over the Ducks.

There are still a pair of games remaining in order for the Ducks to gain a series split.

Yes, that's concern you sense ... it's never too early.

And with that, the 2016 Atlantic League regular season is underway.

Long Island Ducks 2016 Season Preview

LIDucks.com

General manager Michael Pfaff enters the 2016 regular season with a roster not unlike last year's edition.

Of the positional players, second base is the lone unknown.  The other positional starters are either returning for a second season with the Ducks, or are more established Long Island veterans.

Player/coach Lew Ford's swan song is now in its 7th season!  At 39-years of age, he's either aging like a fine wine or drinking from the fountain of youth - your choice.  In 2014, Lew batted .347 in 544 at-bats, and last season batted .364 in 297 at-bats.  In 1,598 overall at-bats as a member of the Flock, Lew Ford has 547 hits for a .342 batting average.

If the Ducks were to ever consider naming a team captain, long time shortstop Dan Lyons surely would be the easy choice.  In 2015, he established career highs in several offensive categories, most notably his .462 slugging average, and his first ever .300 season average.

Long Island's offense will ultimately be characterized by the sum of its parts.  I'm not sure where they'll draw their power from.  Dan Lyons, Cody Puckett, Fehlandt Lentini, Delta Cleary Jr., and others ideally will combine to make this a fairly balanced line-up (...Kansas City Royals style).

The ace of the staff is still John Brownell, but the ranks are thinning.  After Bobby Blevins, the starting rotation is riddled with question marks.

Meanwhile, the names in the bullpen seemingly grow stranger by the season.  Manager Kevin Baez needs at least three relievers from among this new pack of virtual unknowns to emerge, and help him establish some sort of bullpen semblance.  Presently, all roles appear available.  Inquire within.

Starting Pitchers

Returning Pitchers: John Brownell, Bobby Blevins, Darin Downs

• Southpaw Jack Snodgrass, 28, comes to Long Island via the San Francisco Giants organization.  He spent most of the last three seasons pitching at the AA level.  In 112 minor league appearances he made 88 career starts, with a 42-24 record, 4.00 ERA, and a 1.332 WHiP in 538.1 combined innings pitched.

• Right-hander Nick Struck is entering his second season with the Ducks.  Last season he made 50 relief appearances, but over his minor league career Nick made 118 starts in 134 appearances.  The Ducks utilized him in relief again Friday evening against the Somerset Patriots.

Bullpen

Returning Pitchers: Patrick Crider, Bruce Kern, Frank DeJiulio Jr., Amalio Diaz

• Right-hander Kevin Vance is 25-years young.  He spent five years in the Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations.  Last year marked his first touch at the AAA level.   Primarily used as a reliever, he owns a 3.81 ERA and 1.301 WHiP over 328.1 minor league innings pitched.

• Right-hander Dan Blewett, 30, is a career independent league pitcher.  From 2010 through 2012 he was a starter, but after missing all of the 2013 season he returned as a reliever in 2014 with Camden.   In two seasons, 89 appearances, and 121.1 innings pitched for the Riversharks, he posted a combined 3.12 ERA, with 120 strikeouts, 40 walks, and 108 total hits allowed.

• Right-hander James Lomangino, 24-years young, is a Long Island native and St. John's University alumni.  His career is still ahead of him.  He has but two brief years of experience to speak of while in the Colorado Rockies system.  He made 15 appearances playing Rookie ball in 2014, and 39 appearances in the South Atlantic League (A) last year.

• Right-hander Todd Coffey last pitched in the majors in 2012 for the Los Angeles Dodgers.   He's an eight year MLB veteran (2005-2012) whom posted a career 25-18 record with 11 saves, a 4.10 ERA, and a 6.8 K/9 and 2.8 W/9 average in 438.2 innings pitched.  He spent last year with the Seattle Mariners AAA affiliate, where he posted a nifty 1.93 ERA, with an 8.2 K/9 average in 37.1 innings pitched.

• Southpaw Jarrett Casey, 28, spent six minor league seasons in the White Sox organization with 48 appearances at the AAA level.  He totaled 160 minor league appearances, with a 4.18 ERA and a 1.363 WHiP in 383.2 total innings pitched.

• Southpaw Eury De La Rosa, 26, is an eight year minor league, and foreign league veteran.  He pitched in parts of two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2012 and 2013, where he registered 44 appearances, 51.1 innings pitched, and an 8.4 K/9 average.

Behind the Dish

• Matt Blanke is entering his second season with the Flock.  In 92 games and 326 at-bats last season, he slashed .282/.337/.411, with 15 doubles, 9 home runs, and 43 RBI.

• Mike Dowd, 25, is a five year veteran of the Seattle Mariners system where he elevated to AA. He boasts a stellar defensive reputation and possesses an above average throwing arm.

Around the Diamond

• First baseman Sean Burroughs was acquired mid-season last year from the Bridgeport Bluefish. Don't look to him for power, but have fun watching him hit nonetheless.  In 53 games and 190 at-bats with Bridgeport, he batted .321 last season.  In 37 games and 145 at-bats with the Ducks, he batted .366 with a .422 OBP.

• If Long Island's opening game against Somerset was an indication, then Blake Barber, 26, appears to be this year's starting second baseman.  He spent the last four seasons primarily in the lower levels of the Miami Marlins organization.  He owns a .268 career average over 962 minor league at-bats.

• Another native New Yorker, and St. John's alum, infielder Matt Wessinger, 25, spent last season with Bridgeport, and will likely compete for the second base job, but is more likely to play off the bench.

• Rock steady Dan Lyons is back for his sixth season with the Ducks.  He is coming off a career season, in which he hit 28 doubles, 11 home runs, drove in 73 runs, and batted .301 in 465 at-bats.

• Entering his third season with the Ducks, Cody Puckett will man third base.  He's a combined .286 hitter during his previous two seasons with Long Island, averaging 20 doubles, 9 home runs, and 65 RBI.

The Outfield

• From left to right, continuity rules the day.  Delta Cleary Jr. is back to play left; the indefatigable Lew Ford will be in center; and Fehlandt Lentini, 38, will return in right.

• Blake Tekotte will DH and come off the bench.  He spent the previous four seasons shuffling back and forth between the majors and AAA, accumulating 50 games of MLB experience along the way.

• Anthony Vega, 25, is a product of the Baltimore Orioles system.  He came to the Ducks last season via the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.  He will provide speed and defense off the bench.

Last word: All hail Buddy Harrelson!

L.I. Ducks: Flock Poised to Clinch Ticket to Finals

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
*   *  LIBERTY DIVISION  *  *

SHOWDOWN

Ducks at the Gates!

Ducks lead series 2-1

I - SOM 5; LID 3

II - LID 5; SOM 4

III - LID 9; SOM 4

IV - SATURDAY

GAME FOUR

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Somerset Patriots

FROM

Some Ballpark

NEW JERSEY

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Flock within a victory of advancing to their 5th ever Atlantic League championship series.

After a two game split at Bethpage Ballpark, the Liberty Division series shifted to Somerset Friday evening for Game Three.

Bobby Blevins climbed the hill for Long Island and was opposed by Patriots southpaw Matt Zielinski.

With Somerset clinging to a 1-run lead through 4 innings, the league's top offense finally erupted in the 5th.  With two on and 2-outs, Sean Burroughs, Dan Lyons, and Cody Puckett all hit consecutively giving the Ducks a 4-1 lead.

With Somerset's Matt Zielinski out of the game, an E-6 in the top of the 6th wound up giving the Ducks a 5-1 lead.

Then came the Patriots.

Aharon Eggleston led off the bottom of the 6th with a single.  With 1-out, right fielder Michael Burgess took Blevins deep making it a 5-3 Somerset deficit.

Long Island got a run back on Mike Blanke's 7th inning RBI double.

Bobby Blevins then opened the bottom of the 7th by surrendering a single and walk, inspiring Coach Baez to call on his bullpen.  Pinch hitter David Vidal promptly greeted reliever Patrick Crider with an RBI single up the middle.

That, however, ended Somerset's output for the evening.  The Ducks, meanwhile, struck for another 3 runs in the 8th.  Randy Ruiz' double drove in a pair, and Sean Burroughs' sac-fly gave Long Island their eventual 9-4 margin of victory.

• Bobby Blevins earned the victory.  He faced 26 batters over 6 innings pitched, and threw 88 pitches with 60 (68%) going for strikes.  He allowed 4 earned runs on 4 hits and 3 walks, and fanned 7 batters before exiting on the winning side of (then) a 5-3 game.

• Closer Ryan Kussmaul pitched 2 innings in a non-save situation, and faced the minimum with 2 strikeouts.

• Sean Burroughs remained white hot.  He went 2 for 4, with 2 more RBI in Game Three, and is now 8 for 12 with 4 RBI in the series.

• Randy Ruiz has DH'd in the clean-up slot this series.  He went 1 for 4 Friday, and is now 4 for 11 in the series.

The Ducks now have two chances to win one game.  Easier said than done...

Long Island's Bruce Kern will toe the rubber in Game Four.  Kern made 40 appearances this season, but this will only be his 14th start.  He went 9-6 during the regular season with a 3.51 ERA.  In 107.2 innings he posted a 1.21 WHiP, boasted .242 average against, and fanned 102 batters.

The Ducks will have their work cut out for them against Patriots starter Will Oliver, whom was a late season acquisition from the Frontier League.  He started 9 games for Somerset.  In 54 innings pitched, Will posted a fine 6-2 record with a 3.15 ERA, a 1.07 WHiP, and a .204 average against.

• Patriots right fielder and clean-up hitter Michael Burgess is tearing up Ducks pitching.  He is 5 for 12 (.417) with 2 home runs and 6 RBI in 3 games.

• Table setter Aharon Eggleston is 5 for 8, with 2 walks, a double, home run, and 5 runs scored.

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 

lead series over Lancaster Barnstormers, 2-1

I - SMB 2; LAN 0

II - LAN 6; SMB 5

III - SMB 6; LAN 1

GAME FOUR

Barnstormers

vs.

Blue Crabs

FROM

Waldorf, Maryland

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.

L.I. Ducks: Open Season on Flock Continues

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Long Island Ducks: Brownell was brilliant; Barnstormers gain split; Flock getting fleeced!

Foreign leagues and Major League Baseball continue enjoying open season on Ducks players.

The pennant race in the National League East between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals in particular is starting to take a toll on the Long Island Ducks as well.

Kinda...

The Mets purchased the contract of starter Mickey Jannis on the 1st of the month.  On July 16th, Reegie Corona was sold to the Washington Nationals organization.  He will report to AA-Harrisburg, and follows Lew Ford's recent departure to Mexico.

That means the Atlantic League's top two hitters are now out of the circuit.

Reegie Corona was an offensive force at second base.  He was batting .331 with 3 home runs and 31 RBI.  As such, he was the league's 2nd leading hitter, behind only Lew Ford.  Reegie also ranked 3rd in OBP and 5th in slugging, and was additionally 5th in hits and ranked 2nd in runs scored.

Back on July 9th, pitcher Andrew Barbosa was also sold to the Atlanta Braves organization.

*           *           *           *

In Wednesday's 5-0 win over the Lancaster Barnstormers, starter John Brownell tossed the Ducks' first complete game victory of the season.  Brownell faced 31 batters, and threw 128 pitches with 86 (67%) going for strikes during his whitewashing of the Barnstormers.  He allowed a mere 4 hits, walked a pair, and fanned 5 batters.  John now leads the Atlantic League with 72 strikeouts.  He additionally improved his season record to 7-2, and lowered his ERA from 3.22 to a 2.92 mark.

The Barnstormers gained a 4-game series split, however, with an 8-1 drubbing of the Ducks on Thursday.   Making his third start since returning from Taiwan, Bobby Blevins pitched 6 hit or miss innings, allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 10 hits, no walks, with 7 strikeouts.  Recently signed right fielder Steve McQuail hit his first home run in only his second game with the Ducks.

Up next, the Ducks will resume hostilities against the Somerset Patriots in a weekend series at Bethpage Ballpark.



Mike

L.I. Ducks: Flock Loses Another Huge Feather

From the deck of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Getting Plucked

Long Island Ducks: Shuffling off to....Mexico?

Aye caramba!

Lew Ford is gone, left, adios.  He's off to go play south of the border - sold to Tijuana of the Mexican League.

General manager Michael Pfaff, however, expressed hope, confidence even, that Ford can return to the Ducks (for as long as Donald Trump does not become President, and...) once the Mexican summer league concludes their season in August.

• The better known Mexican Pacific League is part of the Caribbean Winter League circuit.

The Ducks will be hard pressed to replace what was the Atlantic League's leading MVP candidate. Lew Ford topped the Atlantic League with a .363 average and 58 RBI.

Ford's departure is somewhat reminiscent of starting ace pitcher Mike Parisi's departure to Japan a few years back, as both left the country.

This also follows a major blow suffered by the starting rotation when their top pitcher, Mickey Jannis, whom led the league in ERA and strikeouts, had his contract sold to the New York Mets.

The mid-season acquisition J.C Romero and the return of Bobby Blevins may soften the blow of losing Jannis, if only somewhat.

That said, GM Michael Pfaff went after more pitching.

Southpaw pitcher Darin Downs, 30, will make his Ducks debut on Saturday against Lancaster.  He has three years of MLB experience, spending 2012-2013 with Detroit, and last season with Houston.   In 92 major league games and 90.2 innings pitched, all in relief, he owns a  4.76 ERA with an 8.1 K/9 average.   Otherwise, Darin is a 13-year minor league veteran of affiliated baseball.  In 296 appearances (90 starts) he owns a 4.05 ERA over 378 innings pitched, with a career 8.5 K/9 average.

The Ducks also signed lefty pitcher Donnie Veal, whom was released by the Atlanta Braves.  In 105 MLB appearances, all in relief, he owns a 5.48 ERA over 69 innings pitched, with 73 strikeouts.

The Ducks also took a flyer on 1B, OF, DH, Steve McQuail, whom played in the Frontier League, and has affiliated experience with the Arizona D-Backs.  During 2012-2013 while in the Frontier League, he averaged 304 at-bats, 20 home runs and 57 RBI.

The Wild Times:

The departures of Mickey Jannis and Lew Ford mean the Ducks' 2nd half just got a little more Wild.

Despite the Ducks loss to the Lancaster Barnstormers Monday night, Long Island gained a 1/2 game over the Sugar Land Skeeters.  They now lead the Wild Card race by 10.5 games.  Defending Atlantic League champ, Lancaster, is a distant third, 17.5 games out of the Wild Card.




Mike

L.I. Ducks: Monday Night Baseball Independent Style

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Monday Night Showdown

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Somerset Patriots

FROM

TD BANK BALLPARK

New Jersey

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Liberty Division Race Heating Up.

After opening the season by dropping two of three games to Somerset, then another two of three to close out May, the Ducks found themselves 4 games behind Somerset on June 1st.

The Ducks then went on to post a 7-4 record but could get no closer than within 3 games of Somerset.

This weekend Long Island finally punched through.  Despite Sunday's loss to Somerset, by virtue of sweeping Saturday's twin bill the Ducks finally closed to within 2.5 games of the Patriots.  The two teams will play the final game of their four game set Monday evening.  With a victory, Long Island can close to within 1.5 games of 1st place, with 22 games remaining in the first half of the season.

With a victory, Long Island would also even their season record (4-5) against Somerset.

Were it not for realignment, the Ducks would presently have a firm grip on first place of the Liberty Division. But last year's championship series opponent now lives in the same division.  As we've seen, this makes Long Island's back to back title defense that much more difficult.

In Monday night's series finale, Jared Lansford will climb the hill for the visiting Ducks, and will be opposed by Somerset's Derell McCall.

*         *         *

Lew Ford continues to lead the Atlantic League in Triple Crown categories, with a .398 batting average, 11 home runs, and 47 RBI.  Adam Bailey is 7th in the circuit with 7 home runs, and Cody Puckett is 4th in the league with 30 RBI.

Long Island's Shaun Garceau leads the league with 6 victories, followed by John Brownell with five.  John Brownell and Garceau are also tied for the league lead with 53 strikeouts.  Bobby Blevins ranks fourth with 45 strikeouts.



Mike.BTB

L.I. Ducks: Brownell And Blevins Provide One-Two Punch Over Lancaster

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Realignment Has Turned The Somerset Patriots Into This Year's Problem.

Only a sweep over the Patriots would have truly made a difference, nonetheless this past weekend's series against Somerset was an opportunity lost.  By dropping two of three games, the Ducks fell a fourth game behind the Liberty Division leading Patriots.

If you remember, Somerset took two of three from Long Island in the season's opening series.  The Ducks are now 2-4 versus the newly transplanted Patriots this season.

For now, Long Island seems to be going with Plan B - beat up on the rest of the competition.

Ducks hurler John Brownell set about initiating that plan Monday night.  John last pitched against Lancaster on May 28th, earning his 3rd victory of the season in 6 modest innings of work.  As a result, Brownell missed the series against Somerset.

In Monday night's series opener against the visiting Barnstormers, John Brownell turned in his finest performance of the season, needing a mere 2:42 to complete his gem.  Making his 8th start, John pitched his first complete game of the season, allowing 2 earned runs on just 4 hits and one walk.  He fanned 9 batters, and now leads the circuit with 43 strikeouts.  He improved his record to 4-3, and lowered his ERA from 4.81 to a 4.33 mark.

The Ducks provided Brownell with 9 runs of support, led by 3 RBI from Brandon Lyons.  Cody Puckett went 3 for 5, as did Joash Brodin, which included a double, triple and 2 RBI.

The Patriots also won their Monday night game over York, and so Long Island entered Tuesday's action 4 games out of first.

Bobby Blevins then climbed the hill Tuesday at Bethpage Park, and was opposed by Lancaster's Chris Schwinden.

After spotting the Barnstormers a 2-0 lead in the 2nd, Blevins kept Lancaster scoreless long enough for the Ducks to comeback with 6 runs in the 6th inning and put him on the winning side.  Blevins pitched 7 innings in all, allowed 2 earned runs on 7 hits and just one walk.  He struck out 7 batters to bring his season total up to 41, which ranks 2nd in the circuit behind team mate John Brownell.

Lew Ford, who has struggled of late, broke out with a 4 for 4 night, while the Ducks cranked out 17 hits in 40 at-bats en route to an 8-4 final.

This evening Long Island hosts the Lancaster Barnstormers for the third of their four game series.  The Ducks Shaun Garceau will climb the hill at Bethpage Park, and will be opposed by Cody Scarpetta for the Barnstormers.

The York Revolution romped over Somerset on Tuesday.  However, the Patriots won their matinee game Wednesday to reestablish a 3.5 game over the Ducks.

Realignment has certainly put a new twist into this season's (1st half) division race.  So far, Somerset's 4 victories over the Ducks are the difference.  In ten more days, the Ducks and Patriots will square off again in a four game weekend series.  Till then, the Ducks need to keep pace with Plan B.





Mike.BTB

L.I. Ducks: Finally Thwart Revolution For First Home Victory Of 2014

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

York Leads Opening Day Series 2-1

GM 1 - York 6; Long Island 1

GM 2 - York 8; Long Island 7

GM 3 - Long Island 4; York 3

GM 4 - Sunday Afternoon

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Bobby Blevins Continues His Strong Pitching; Ducks Win First Home Game Of 2014 Season.

Have the York Revolution no respect for the returning champion's triumphant return home, on Opening Day no less?  Clearly, for York, which defeated the Ducks in the 2011 Atlantic League championship series, the answer is no, they did not.

The Revolutionary party-crashers from the Freedom Division were having none of it.  They came, they saw, and they ruined what was otherwise supposed to be a celebratory weekend at Long Island's Bethpage Park.

They treated Ducks starting pitchers John Brownell and Shaun Garceau rather rudely in the first two games of this four game weekend series.  John Brownell took the loss on Opening Day.  He pitched 6 innings, and was roughed up for 4 earned runs on 6 hits.  He walked 2 and fanned 5 batters before exiting on the losing side of an eventual 6-1 final.

In Saturday's first game of a twin-bill, the Ducks failed to hold a 5-2 lead, and eventually bowed to the Revs by an 8-7 score.  Shaun Garceau only lasted 4 innings, allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits, walked 2, and fanned 5 before departing, but escaped with a no-decision.  However, he saw his ERA balloon to a ghastly 18.48 mark after two starts this season.

Over the first two games of the series, York pitching held the Ducks to a .184 batting average on 12 for 65 at the plate.  Long Island managed 4 extra base hits, which included two home runs, drew 8 walks and fanned 8 times.

The Ducks finally prevailed over the Revolution in Saturday's night cap, on the strength of Bobby Blevins' 7 inning gem, and clutch hitting from Cody Puckett.

Bobby Blevins climbed the hill for Long Island, and once again pitched marvelously over his seven innings of work.  Over that span, he allowed 2 earned runs on 5 hits, walked none, and struck out 8 batters, all swinging.

York took the initial lead with a pair of runs in the 4th inning.  But, the Ducks stormed back to give Blevins a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the 5th inning, on an RBI double struck by shortstop Dan Lyons, and a two run single by right fielder Fehlandt Lentini.

Jeremy Accardo entered the game in the 8th inning in relief of Bobby Blevins, and with one out, was greeted by York center fielder Sean Smith with a long home run over the left field wall, which tied the game at three, and unfortunately reduced Bobby Blevins effort to a no decision.

However, Long Island regained the lead when second baseman Cody Puckett came up with a big 2-out base hit in the bottom of the 8th inning, to score Lew Ford (single) from second base.

Closer Leo Rosales entered the game in the 9th, looking to close things out.  The first Revs batter went down swinging at strike three.  The second York batter looked at strike three.  Then, the final Revolutions batter literally threw his bat through strike three to end the game.  The bat finally came to rest foul, down the right field line.

Although Jeremy Accardo blew the save opportunity, he gets credit for Long Island's first home victory.   Leo Rosales earned his 3rd save of the young season.  In two starts and 13 innings pitched, Bobby Blevins has allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits, walked none, and fanned 14 batters.  His ERA dropped from 3.00 down to a 2.77 mark.

In Saturday's Game One, catcher Keith Castillo became the first Duck with 2 home runs.  Lew Ford leads the team with 6 RBI.

Long Island evened their season record at 4-4.



Mike.BTB

L.I. Ducks: Bobby Blevins Pitches Gem In Somerset

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Bobby Blevins Fans Eight, And Plunks A Pair, In Dominant Performance Over Somerset Patriots.  Webbed Nine Win First, Avoid Sweep.

Starting pitcher Bobby Blevins turned in an exceptional day's work Sunday afternoon, in helping the Ducks gain their first victory of the season, and just as important, avoid an opening series sweep against the hosting Somerset Patriots.

Bobby Blevins surrendered his only hit of the game in the first inning, but a pair of errors gave the Patriots an early 1-0 lead.  From the end of the 1st inning however, through the 6th inning, he retired 16 straight batters.

After hitting the first two batters he faced in bottom of the 7th, Coach Baez made a move to the bullpen, and brought in reliever Jereny Accardo.  A double, and a 4-3 put-out later turned this into a 4-3 game, still in the Ducks favor.  Both runs were charged to Blevins.  That would be the last of Somerset's scoring though.

Otherwise, Bobby Blevins pitched 6 full innings, allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on just one hit, no walks, and struck out 8 batters to earn his first victory of the season.  He faced 22 batters, and threw 88 pitchers, with a very efficient 60 (68%) going for strikes.

The bullpen combined on 3 scoreless innings, and closer Leo Rosales recorded his first save.

Long Island used 8 hits, and 3 walks against Patriots pitching to mount a 6-3 victory.  Joash Brodin and Cody Puckett led the Ducks with 2 RBI each.  Ryan Strieby also drove in a run, while one Ducks run was unearned.  Brodin was 2/4 at the plate, while Puckett posted a 3/4 day.

The Ducks will now migrate to Southern Maryland for a three game series against the Blue Crabs before finally heading back to Long Island, for their opening day on May 2nd.



Mike.BTB

Long Island Ducks: 2014 Pond Preview

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Long Island Ducks

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2004

2012  2013

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: How Can They Possibly Top Last Year's Improbable, And Astonishing Championship Run?

Last year's Atlantic League playoffs ended with a most improbable conclusion.  The circuit's top team, the Sugar Land Skeeters, ran roughshod over the competition, and posted a league best 95-45 record.  They were undone in sweeping fashion however, in the Freedom Division playoffs by the Somerset Patriots, who finished second to the Skeeters, with a similarly impressive 90-49 record.

The Liberty Division's members weren't nearly as formidable.  Each of the four teams finished below the .500 mark.  The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs ultimately won the overall division standings with a 65-74 record.  In the first round of playoffs, they faced the second place Long Island Ducks

In 2011, the Ducks sported the league's most potent offense, but bowed to the York Revolution in the championship series.  Long Island prevailed in 2012 however, to win their first Atlantic League title in a decade.  The organization captured its first championship back during the 2004 season.

Last year, there was a noticeable limp in the Long Island Ducks waddle.  They struggled throughout, and ended the regular campaign with a less than pedestrian 63-77 overall record.  They finished the first half with a 30-40 record, then managed to gain a playoff berth by capturing the Liberty Division second half flag with a dubious 33-37 mark.

Long Island then proceeded to sweep the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in the divisional round in three games to advance to their third straight championship series.  As noted, Somerset treated the Sugar Land Skeeters likewise, setting the stage for a Ducks/Patriots showdown.

The first four games were all decided by one run.  Long Island jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the series.  Somerset then battled back to win a pair of extra-inning games, tying the series at two. Long Island won the decisive Game Five by a 6-4 final, to repeat as Atlantic League champions.

Into The Pond: 2014 Preview

The 15th season of Long Island Ducks baseball will begin shortly.  After three straight appearances in the Atlantic League championship series, and winning back-to-back titles, what can we expect from the club in 2014?

General Manager Michael Pfaff is the lead architect, and his body of work speaks for itself.  But, even he would agree, change is the name of the game at Bethpage Park this season.  Some of the more popular veterans and crowd favorites have either retired, or for other various reasons, will not be returning.

The most glaring departure is that of all-time Long Island Ducks great, Ray Navarret, who's eight year career with the club ended with his retirement at the conclusion of last season.  Other notable regulars of the last few years, Kraig Binick and Rob Zimmerman will also be absent from this season's roster, as well as last year's team leader in home runs, Bill Hall.  In fact, near half the roster will be comprised of new faces.

Positional players returning to Long Island are Adam Bailey, Ryan Strieby, Joash Brodin, and of course, shortstop Dan Lyons.  Lew Ford is also due back, and is currently listed on the Ducks roster as an outfielder/hitting coach.

On the mound, eight pitchers from last year's staff return.  Bobby Blevins, Matt Way, John Brownell, and Shaun Garceau will likely form part of the starting rotation.  Third year Duck Leo Rosales will be back to close games.  The bullpen will also include Eric Niesen, Jared Lansford, and Josh Lansford.

In recent months Michael Pfaff busied himself traversing the baseball landscape in search of talent. He imported outfielder Jon Myers, and pitcher Casey Barnes from the Frontier League, and pitcher Fernando Hernandez was brought over from Somerset.

• Barnes posted a 7-3 record and 3.68 ERA in 20 games for the River City Rascals last season.

• Michael Pfaff needed to resupply his power, and the hope is Jon Myers, 26, can provide a measure of voltage in the middle of the order.  He batted .283 for the Gateway Grizzlies last season, led the circuit with 25 home runs, and drove in 64 runs in 361 at-bats.  He hit 20 home runs the year prior.

• Fernando Hernandez, 29, last pitched in the major leagues (3 games) in 2008 for Oakland. He spent portions of the 2013 season playing affiliated ball with New Hampshire of the Eastern League, with Laredo of the independent American Association, in Mexico, and lastly with the Somerset Patriots.

Newly acquired backstops Keith Castillo and Brian Peacock, will take over catching duties from last year's tandem of Ramon Castro and Ralph Hernandez.  Castillo, 26, spent the last three seasons in the Tampa Bay Rays system - last year in AA.  Peacock, 29, is an eight year minor league veteran, formerly of the Washington Nationals organization, and most recently of the Cincinnati Reds system.

Pitchers Jeremy Accardo, Steve Garrison, Brett Lorin, and Saul Rivera, outfielder Quincy Latimore, and infielders Cody Puckett and Sergio Miranda have also been added to this year's roster.

• Relief pitcher Jeremy Accardo, 32, is an eight year MLB veteran, who last pitched pitched with the Oakland A's in 2012, before spending 2013 in AAA.  He has 284 innings of MLB experience, with 205 strikeouts.  He owns a career 4.30 ERA with 38 career saves.

• Steve Garrison, 27, and a local New Jersey kid, had his lone moment in the major leagues with the New York Yankees.  In 2011, he pitched 0.2 innings, and that's it.  An eight year minor league vet, he spent 2012 in the Seattle Mariners system.  He played in the Arizona DBacks system, for Mobile in the Southern League last season, and posted a 3.30 ERA in 43.2 innings pitched, with a 10.1 K/9 average, 8.2 H/9, and 2.9 W/9 averages.

• Brett Lorin, 27, also comes to Long Island from the Arizona DBacks system.  At 6'7" and 245 lbs., he is an imposing specimen.  In a split season between Mobile-AA, and Reno-AAA, he posted a combined 5-2 record, with a 2.96 ERA in 51.2 innings pitched, with 38 strikeouts.

• Saul Rivera, 36, spent four full seasons spanning 2006-2009 relieving for the Washington Nationals, and made a quick pit stop in 2010 with Arizona.  Last year, he pitched 28.2 innings for the Sugar Land Skeeters, and posted a 2-0 record, with a 2.20 ERA.  He allowed 20 hits, and fanned 17 batters.

• Outfielder Quincy Latimore, 25, split the 2013 season between AA and the Frontier League.  He batted a combined .231 with 12 home runs, 52 RBI in 446 at-bats.

• Cody Puckett, 27, spent five years in the Reds organization, then the last two in the Chicago White Sox system.  In a combined AA and AAA season, he batted .251, with 17 home runs and 52 RBI, in 367 at-bats.

• Infielder Sergio Miranda, 27, was not active last year.  He played sparingly in 2012 during a very brief stay in the Atlanta Braves system.

The Long Island Ducks open their season April 25th, on the road in Somerset, where the Patriots will no doubt be looking to exact a measure of revenge.  Long Island's Opening Day will take place on May 2nd, against the York Revolution.




Mike.BTB

Long Island Ducks Win 2012 Atlantic League Championship

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

2012

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

LONG ISLAND DUCKS
 

 

 

 

LONG ISLAND DUCKS WIN SERIES 3-2

I - Barnstormers 5; Ducks 1

II - Ducks 9; Barnstormers 4

III - Barnstormers 12; Ducks 5

IV - Ducks 9; Barnstormers 3

 

GAME FIVE FINAL:

Ducks 5; Barnstormers 4

 

 

Finals Preview

Game One

Game Two

Game Three

Game Four

 

 

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Win Ninth Inning Thriller;

Walk-Off Bunt Saves The Day, And Championship.

 

 

 

LongIslandDucks.com

 

 

Ducks Win Club's Second Atlantic League Title.

SS-Dan Lyons Named Series MVP.

 

Long Island Fans Enjoy First Championship At The Pond.

 

Bobby Blevins started Game Five for Long Island, and pitched six spirited innings before leaving on the winning side of a 4-2 Ducks lead.  He allowed Lancaster to score single runs in the second and fourth innings.  He allowed five hits in all.  Blevins walked no batters and struck out five before giving way to a combination of Matt May, Eric Niesen, and Jared Lansford, who pitched scoreless baseball over the next two innings.


On the mound for Lancaster was Dwayne Pollok, who won the league's ERA title and tied for the lead in wins.  He was victorious over the Ducks in Game One, and was starting Game Five on three days rest.


The Ducks jumped on Pollok right away with two runs in the first inning.  An error by Lancaster's center fielder allowed the Ducks to score their first run.  A single by Bryant Nelson knocked in their second run.  In the second inning, Joash Brodin's RBI single delivered Dan Lyons home with the Ducks third run.  The Ducks scored a fourth time off Pollok in the fifth inning when Matt Esquivel doubled home Bryant Nelson.


After eight innings of rather stellar baseball, the Long Island Ducks second year manager Kevin Baez placed the ball, a 4-2 Ducks lead, the Ducks season, and the team's championship hopes into the right hand of his closer, Leo Rosales.


The first batter he faced, Lancaster's third baseman Travis Denker, crushed the fifth pitch he saw for a home run.  The Ducks lead was now down to one.  Loe Rosales then walked the second batter he faced.  That runner advanced to second on a grounder to first, then proceeded to third base when Rosales unleashed a wild pitch against Lancaster's next batter.  With the tying runner on third, Rosales managed a strikeout for out number one.  Lancaster's Gilberto Mejia then followed with a four hopper to shortstop Dan Lyons.  The ground ball seemingly gave Lyons trouble off the bat.  He failed to field it cleanly, and delivered a throw in the dirt which first baseman Brandon Sing was unable to scoop.  Unbelievably, and to the dismay of the home crowd, the Barnstormers tied the game at four runs apiece.  What was once within Long Island's grasp was now seemingly slipping away.


Into the bottom of the ninth inning they went.  With one out, Lee Cruz got last licks started when he drew a walk.  Matt Esquivel drew a second consecutive base on balls.  As Mitch Canham reached safely on a fielder's choice, Lee Cruz was wiped from the bases.  Lancaster pitcher Josh Dew then unleashed a wild pitch which advanced Matt Esquivel to third base.  With two outs, the next batter, Dan Lyons surprised everyone and laid down a bunt down the third base line.  Matt Esquival scored as there was no play at first base.


Of all manners to win a game, the Long Island Ducks won the 2012 Atlantic League Championship on a walk-off bunt.  Dan Lyons went from the lowest depths of despair after committing the costliest of errors in the top of the inning, to ascending the high of exhilaration.  Dan Lyons was named series MVP for his overall efforts in the five game series.  But in truth, many deserve credit for securing the Ducks second ever championship trophy.


In 2004, Kevin Baez played on the Ducks first championship winning team.  Now, in his second season as manager, Coach Baez wins his second title with the club.  After falling to the York Revolution in four games during last season's Finals, Coach Baez led the organization to its first title since that 2004 season, and the Ducks second in thirteen years as members of the Atlantic League.


I would like to extend a special congratulations to Buddy Harrelson, for many many reasons.



Mike.BTB

Atlantic League Championship - Final Game Tonight

From the desk of:   THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

TONIGHT

 

 

 

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

 

GAME FIVE

 

Lancaster Barnstormers

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

 

FROM

THE POND

Long Island, New York

 

 

Series Tied 2-2

I - Lancaster 5; Long Island 1

II - Long Island 9; Lancaster 4

III - Lancaster 12; Long Island 5

IV - Long Island 9; Lancaster 3

 

Finals Preview

Game One

Game Two

Game Three

 

 

 

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Avoid Elimination With Big Inning In Game Four.  Force Deciding Game Five.

 

 

Rain is in the forecast.  Should Mother Nature allow, the final game of the 2012 Atlantic League Championship series between the Ducks and the Lancaster Barnstormers is scheduled for 5pm at The Pond.

 

 

Each team is 1-1 when playing in each other's parks.  In Lancaster, the Ducks opened the series with a loss, then came back to win Game Two.  Upon return to Long Island, the Ducks dropped Game Three, then rallied for seven runs in the sixth inning Saturday evening to force a Game Five today.  If the pattern of alternating victories holds true, the Lancaster Barnstormers will be crowned Atlantic League Champions tonight.  But this is when Long Island's decision to start the playoffs on the road is supposed to pay off.  Home field advantage is theirs.

 

 

Of the four teams to make the playoffs this season, the Long Island Ducks posted the worst record, while Lancaster's 2012 regular season record was the league's best.  The Ducks season is a tale of two halves; one bearing a division title, and the other about a precipitous fall.  The Lancaster Barnstormers were consistent, if not dominant all season long.  They won both division flags this season.  None of that matters now.  There is only one game left in the Atlantic League season.  After tonight, the league will have a new champion.

 

Atlantic League Championship Trophy

 

 

In the championship series last season, the Ducks bowed to the York Revolution who repeated as Atlantic League champions.  While Long Island's pitching held up for the most part, bolstered by the return of Mike Loree, the Duck's mighty offense disappeared in an instant.

 

 

Late in the 2012 season and through the playoffs, this season's reconstructed starting pitching has proven resilient.  And offensively speaking, the Ducks have shown their playoff bats are here to stay.  Last year's batting champion, Kraig Binick, battled through a significant drop off this season.  He has seemingly regained his stroke of last season in time for the playoffs.  Brandon Sing has been nothing short of clutch in the post season.  And guys like Joash Brodin and Bryant Nelson keep driving in runs.  So the outlook for this afternoon's game is indeed promising.

 

 

Bobby Blevins, acquired from the Rockland Boulders late in the season, managed six appearances for the Ducks this season, and made four starts.  He started twenty games for Rockland and posted an 8-9 record with a 3.64 earned run average.  In six games, he posted a 2.42 ERA for the Ducks.  Bobby Blevins surrendered three earned runs in six innings against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in the first round in a game the Ducks won by a 5-4 score.  Today he is tasked with pitching Game Five of the Atlantic League Championship series.

 

 

Opposing him will be Dwayne Pollock.  In Wednesday's opening game of the 2012 Atlantic League championship series, the league's regular season ERA King did what he does best - win games and make opposing runs a scarce commodity.  In Game One, Dwayne Pollock, who also tied for the league lead in wins, pitched six innings of shutout ball against the Long Island Ducks.  He  surrendered four hits, walked two, and struck out five for the win.

 

 

 

 

GAME FOUR RECAP:  A Seven Run, Sixth Inning Quack Attack, Forces Game Five

 

 

 

Facing elimination, the Ducks turned to John Brownell to pitch Game Four.  After just an inning of play, the home team's outlook dimmed as Lancaster went to work right away.  With three hits in the first inning, the Barnstormers claimed an early 2-0 lead.


Opposing Brownell was Lancaster's Mark Brackman.  While John Brownell settled down and kept the Barnstormers scoreless over the next five innings, the Ducks finally chipped a run off Lancaster's lead in the fifth inning.  With two outs, Dan Lyons and Kraig Binick both singled.  Mark Brackman then hit Joash Brodin with a pitch to load the bases.  That caused manager Butch Hobson to emerge from the Barnstormers dugout and remove his starting pitcher.  Joe Bateman entered in relief and immediately unleashed a wild pitch to score Dan Lyons from third base.


John Brownell wound up pitching a strong six innings.  The three hits and two runs he surrendered in the first inning were all he allowed.  Two walks and two strikeouts complete his line.  Then in the bottom of the sixth, his mates put him on the winning side of the game with a seven run explosion.


An RBI single by Mitch Canham started the Ducks off.  Kriag Binick's RBI single delivered run number two.  Joash Brodin's single delivered run number three.  A walk to Ray Navarrete forced run number four across the plate.  Bryant Nelson then cleared the bases with a three RBI triple, giving the Ducks an 8-2 lead.


Mitch Canham had another RBI single in the seventh for the Ducks.  Lancaster's Ryan Harvey homered off Jared Lansford in the ninth.  The Ducks win a 9-3 final.





Mike.BTB