L.I. Ducks: Flock Takes Game Two; Series Shifts to Lexington Knotted at One Apiece

From the desk: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

LEXINGTON LEGENDS

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

GAME ONE

Ducks Bullpen Silences Legends Over Final Six Innings While Bats Mount Comeback; Series Tied at One

Game Two features right-hander Francisco Jimenez for Lexington facing off against Darin Downs for host Long Island.

Downs gets himself into immediate trouble but pitches out of harm's way.  Lexington opens the game with consecutive singles, and after a pop-up, Downs walks the bases loaded.  Afterwhich, Downs induces an infield pop-up and strikes out catcher Christian Correa to end the threat.

Center fielder Boog Powell homers over the left/center field fence leading off the home first.  Shortstop

Vladimir Frias follows with a double, and Steve Lombardozzi singles putting runners at the corners.  The ageless Lew Ford drives home Frias, and with L.J. Mazzilli at the plate, Lombardozzi scores on a wild pitch.  Mazzilli then walks, and Deibinson Romero singles to reload the bases.  However, Chris Shaw bounces to first for a 3-2-3 double-play.  But Sal Giardina picks up his mate with a base hit, scoring Mazzilli for a 4-0 Duck lead.

Lexington answers back in the second.  With the bases loaded, Brandon Phillips singles home a run. Deibinson Romero's error at third then leads to a pair of runs, and a sacrifice fly plates the game-tying run. 

Lexington starter Francisco Jimenez was removed after the first inning, and Wally Backman pulled Darin Downs after the second.

Boog Powell draws a leadoff walk in the home second, and Vladimir Frias follows with his second double of the game.  Lombardozzi's sac-fly scores Powell from third as the Ducks retake a 5-4 lead.

Facing reliever Brady Dragmire in the third, the Legends score three times, highlighted by Brandon Phillips' two-run home run, for a 7-5 Legend lead.

Dragmire tosses a scoreless top half of the fourth, and the defending champions then begin chipping away.  A Brandon Phillips error leads to a pair of unearned runs in the home fourth, Chris Shaw drives home a run in the fifth, and L.J. Mazzilli knocks home a run in the sixth for a 9-7 Duck lead.

Long Island's bullpen keeps Lexington scoreless over the final six innings.  Relievers Frankie Moscatiello and Rob Griswold join together in limiting the Legends to just one hit and no walks with four strikeouts over the last 4.1 innings of the game.  Moscatiello tosses 2.1 innings for the win, and Griswold completes a six-out save.

• Vladimir Frias; 5 for 5, 2 runs scored.
• Lew Ford; 2 for 5, 2 RBI.
• Ducks Pitching: 10 strikeouts, 4 walks.

Long Island salvages a split at The Pond and now will head to Lexington, Kentucky, where on Monday, the series resumes.  The Ducks need to win two of three games to retain their Atlantic League title.  Former members of the South Atlantic League, the Lexington Legends, are vying for their first Atlantic League championship.  Like the Ducks, Lexington in 2019 captured the Sally League flag.

• BOXSCORE

L.I. Ducks: Flock Drops North Division Series Opener to Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

From the desk: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

NORTH DIVISION SERIES

SOUTHERN MARYLAND BLUE CRABS

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

The still defending Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks set out defending their title on Monday against the Southern Mayland Blue Crabs in the first game of the North Division playoff series at the Pond.

Long Island won their fourth-ever Atlantic League championship in 2019, but then, of course, last season was canceled due to COVID.  The Ducks captured the North Division first-half flag this season with a 37-23 record, six games ahead of second-place Southern Maryland.  The second-half flag was more tightly contested and decided in the season's final weekend, with the Blue Crabs edging out the Ducks by one game.

The Ducks finished the regular season with a league-best 68-52 overall record, while Southern Maryland finished with a 63-57 record.

Southern Maryland Bullpen Locks Down the Flock in Series Opener

GAME ONE pits Southern Maryland right-hander Kyle Murphy against veteran Darin Downs for the Ducks.

After two scoreless frames, the Blue Crabs opened the scoring in the visitor's second.  Shortstop Michael Baca doubled home a run and scored on a bunt base hit.  Long Island answers with one in the bottom of the frame on Chris Shaw's home run to right field.

The team then traded single runs in the fifth.  Left fielder Matt Hibbert singles in a run for the Crabs, and Duck shortstop Vladimir Frias knocks in Chris Shaw.

Downs is relieved after the fifth.  After allowing three runs on six hits and one walk with seven strikeouts, he exits on the losing side.  Right-hander Anderson DeLeon takes over in the sixth.

Kyle Murphy exits after yielding two runs on just four hits and three walks after 5.2 innings pitched.

Afterwhich, four Blue Crab relievers join together in limiting the Ducks to no runs on just three hits and one walk over the final 3.1 innings of the game.

Kyle Murphy earns the win, Darin Downs the loss.  

• BOXSCORE

L.I. Ducks: 2019 Atlantic League Championship Series Preview

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

Sugar Land Skeeters

vs.

Long Island Ducks

FROM

THE POND

The much anticipated rematch between Long Island and Sugar Land is on.  This marks the second straight Atlantic League championship series meeting between clubs, and their third confrontation in the last four years.  Sugar Land defeated the Ducks in 2016 to win their first ever league title.  Last season they again defeat Long Island in five games for their second title in three years.  The Skeeters are making their fourth ever championship series appearance in only their eighth year as an Atlantic League member club.  The Long Island Ducks are of course celebrating their 20th anniversary season.  This marks their eighth ever championship series appearance, and fourth in a row.  The bad news is since 2016 they've lost three straight championship series.

• 2016: Sugar Land defeats Long Island
• 2017: York defeats Long Island
• 2018: Sugar Land defeats Long Island

Sugar Land wins the Freedom Division first-half championship with a 35-35 record.  In the second-half they finish second to York with a 37-31 record.  Overall the Skeeters finish with a 72-66 record.  The Skeeters defeat York in the Freedom Division championship series, three game to one.

Long Island sweeps the Liberty Division regular season, winning pennants in both halves with identical 43-27 records.  Their 86-54 overall record sets Long Island's all-time single season record for wins.  They defeat the High Point Rockers in the Liberty Division championship series three games to none.

The Ducks win 14 of 20 regular season games this season against the Sugar Land Skeeters, but only narrowly outscore them by a 91-88 margin.


SCOUTING THE SKEETERS

• RF - Denis Phipps: 448 AB (.261/.350/.458) 21 HR; 81 RBI
• LF - Zach Borenstein: 360 AB (.267/.347/.447) 16 HR; 67 RBI
• 3B - Juan Silverio: 488 AB (.293/.358/.447) 14 HR; 68 RBI

• SP - Troy Scribner: 3.68 ERA in 122.1 INN; 1.32 WHiP; 127 K
• SP - Dallas Beeler: 3.86 ERA in 144.2 INN; 1.52 WHiP; 97 K

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

RUNS:            S.L. #2; L.I. #5
TEAM AVG:    S.L. #3; L.I. #5
OPS:               S.L. #4; L.I. #5
HR:                 S.L. #3; L.I. #4

ERA:               L.I. #2; S.L. #4
WHiP:             L.I. #2; S.L. #4
Strikeouts:      L.I. #1; S.L. #2
Saves:            L.I. #1; S.L. #5


DUCKS STARTERS vs. HIGH POINT ROCKERS

• Darin Downs:  6.1 INN; 2 ER; 3 H; 3 W; 7 K
• Vin Mazzaro:  8 INN: 0 ER; 2 H; 4 W; 10 K
• Seth Simmons:  7 INN; 1 ER; 2 H; 2 W; 9 K

L.I. Ducks: Flock Win Wild Playoff Opener at High Point

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks lead Rockers; 1-0

I - LID 8; HPR 7

LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Game Two

Long Island Ducks

vs.

High Point Rockers

FROM

A Ballpark 600 Miles Away

NORTH CAROLINA

DUCKS OVERCOME BULLPEN IMPLOSION ON DEIBINSON ROMERO EIGHTH INNING HOME RUN.

• ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Bringing a small measure of irony to the series, John Brownell, Long Island's celebrated all-time pitching leader, makes the start for High Point in their first ever Atlantic League playoff game.  He is opposed by present Ducks ace Darin Downs.

High drama makes an early arrival at the ballpark and settles in for a lively night.  With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the first Darin Downs strikes outs right fielder Jared Mitchell ending the Rockers threat.  After hitting into consecutive inning ending double plays, the Ducks break through in the top of the third with four runs on three hits and four walks, highlighted by consecutive triples from David Washington and Vladimir Frias, and a two run scoring Steve Lombardozzi double to deep center.  The Ducks tack on a run in the top of the sixth when L.J. Mazzilli draws a one out walk and eventually scores on Deibinson Romero's sac-fly to left giving Long Island a 5-0 lead.  In the bottom half of the frame Rockers designated hitter Quincy Latimore spoils Darin Downs shutout bid with a long solo home run over the center field fence.

John Brownell's night ends upon surrendering Long Island's sixth and seventh runs of the evening.  All seven runs are earned on six hits and eight walks with only two strikeouts through 6.1 innings pitched.  Dusty Isaacs closes out the frame in relief of Brownell.

With a runner on first in the bottom of the seventh manager Wally Backman turns to his bullpen.  Darin Downs walks off on the winning side of a 7-1 lead.  However, relievers Joe Iorio and Myles Smith join together in yielding five earned runs on three hits and three walks as High Point ties the game at seven before the inning is through.

Undeterred, Deibinson Romero leading off the top of the eighth deposits reliever Sam Runion's fifth offering of the at-bat over the left field wall for an 8-7 Ducks lead.  Manager Wally Backman then hands off to Cody Mincey in the eighth who retires the side in order.  In the top of the ninth, the Ducks hit into their fifth game ending double-play of the game.  Cody Mincey closes out High Point in the ninth for the save.

Darin Downs faces 26 batters, while throwing 104 pitches with 67 (64%) going for strikes, but does not figure in the decision.  Rob Rogers earns the victory for his work in the seventh inning. Steve Lombardozzi, L.J. Mazzilli, and Deibinson Romero all drive in two runs apiece.

Long Island Ducks 2019 Liberty Division Series Preview

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LIBERTY DIVISION 

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

I - @ H.P.

II - @ H.P

III - @ L.I.

*IV- @ L.I.

*V - @ L.I.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

vs.

HIGH POINT ROCKERS

FROM

BB&T Point

NORTH CAROLINA

John Brownell, long time Ducks great, faces his former team as a 

member of the High Point Rockers in Game One at North Carolina.  

He will be opposed by Long Island's Darin Downs.

Distance between Bethpage Ballpark and BB&T Point: 604 miles

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

• OVERALL RECORD: 85-54 (.611)
• First and Second Half Champs; Seeking 4th Straight Liberty Division Crown.
• Season Series vs. High Point: 8-11
• Runs Scored vs. High Point: 59

• 2B-L.J. Mazzilli: 460 AB (.293/.351/.435) 26 doubles; 13 HR; 74 RBI
• 1B-David Washington: 346 AB (.237/.334/.488) 18 doubles; 23 HR; 60 RBI
• C-Hector Sanchez: 352 AB (.273/.307/.406) 20 doubles; 9 HR; 58 RBI
• 3B-Deibinson Romero: 246 AB (.268/.322/.463) 15 doubles; 11 HR; 46 RBI

• SP-Joe Iorio: 6-3 record w/ 3.09 ERA; 128.1 innings; 92 strikeouts; 1.22 WHiP
• SP-Darin Downs: 2.63 ERA; 109.2 innings; 85 hits; 140 strikeouts; 1.09 WHiP
• SP/RP-Brandon Beachy: 6-0 record w/ 2.85 ERA; 41.0 innings; 38 strikeouts; 1.22 WHiP
• RP-Cody Mincy: 7-1 record w/ 2.53 ERA; 67.2 innings; 96 strikeouts; 5 saves; 1.18 WHiP

HIGH POINT ROCKERS

• OVERALL RECORD: 74-66 (.528)
• Inaugural Season; Wild Card
• Season Series vs. Long Island: 11-8
• Runs Scored vs. Long Island: 94

• SS-Hector Gomez: 464 AB (.291/.329/.453) 35 doubles; 12 HR; 76 RBI
• OF-Quincy Latimore: 402 AB (.264/.346/.485) 24 doubles; 21 HR; 72 RBI
• 1B-Richie Shaffer: 353 AB (.235/.346/.510) 16 doubles; 27 HR; 72 RBI
• 1B-Stephen Cardullo: 511 AB (.266/.375/.477) 36 doubles; 22 HR; 70 RBI

• RP-Ryan Kelly: 3.75 ERA; 24.0 innings; 24 strikeouts; 13 saves
• RP-Ashur Tolliver: 8-1 record w/ 2.94 ERA; 49.0 innings; 38 strikeouts; 1.12 WHiP
• SP/RP-Edwin Carl: 3.35 ERA; 94.0 innings; 87 strikeouts; 1.41 WHiP
• SP-Joe Van Meter: 10-6 record w/ 2.30 ERA; 144.2 innings; 131 strikeouts; 0.96 WHiP

ATLANTIC LEAGUE RANKING

MOUND

• ERA:  High Point #1; Long Island #2
• WHiP:  High Point #1; Long Island #2
• HR Allowed:  High Point #4; Long Island #5
• Strikeouts:  Long Island #1; High Point #3
• Saves:  Long Island #1; High Point #6
• ShO:  Long Island #1; High Point #4

PLATE

• Runs:  High Point #4; Long Island #5
• Home Runs:  High Point #2; Long Island #4
• OPS:  High Point #3; Long Island #5
• Total Bases:  High Point #2; Long Island #4
• Stolen Bases:  Long Island #3; High Point #6

Freedom Division Series 

Sugar Land Skeeters vs. York Revolution

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Long Island Ducks Set Single Season Win Record; Capture Second Half Flag

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

LIBERTY DIVISION SWEEP
First Half Champion   ~   Second Half Champion

Blown slightly off course by a three game losing streak, the Flock finally gain their franchise record 83rd victory of the season at Southern Maryland on Wednesday.  Their previous single-season record of 82 victories was set twenty years ago during the Ducks inaugural season on Long Island.

Upon Thursday's conclusion of their series with the Blue Crabs, Long Island heads back home to Bethpage Ballpark where they'll host the High Point Rockers in this weekend's final series of the regular season.

Season Finale

HIGH POINT ROCKERS vs. LONG ISLAND DUCKS

FROM

BETHPAGE BALLPARK

The Ducks capture the first half Liberty Division flag with a 43-27 record, one game ahead of the Somerset Patriots.  On Wednesday they clinch the second half title with a 40-26 record, and a 6.5 game lead over the second place New Britain Bees.  Long Island's sweep of the division standings now necessitates a wild card entrant for rounding out the post-season's final field of four.  The High Point Rockers presently lead the wild card race over the Sugar Land Skeeters, followed closely behind by the New Britain Bees.  The upcoming playoffs will also mark the first time in the last five seasons Long Island and Somerset will fail to meet in the Liberty Division championship series.

Long Island has appeared in six of the previous eight Atlantic League championship series.  After bowing to York in 2011 the Ducks storm back in 2012-2013 to win back to back titles.  Then in 2016 they lose the first of three straight championship series against the Skeeters, Revolution, then a second time against the Skeeters.

Speaking of which, Sugar Land Skeeters capture the Freedom Division's first half flag by one game over the York Revolution.  But York turns the tables in the second half clinching the title by 4.5 games over Sugar Land.  The two will square off in the Freedom Division playoffs due to kick off next Tuesday.

Should the Ducks prevail against their first round opponent, an intriguing rematch against either Freedom Division foe lay ahead.

On Thursday the Ducks salvage a four game split against the Blue Crabs at Southern Maryland.  That now gives Long Island 84 victories for the season, and counting.  Hector Sanchez plates Long Island's first run in the top of the first, and Deibinson Romero doubles home the Ducks second run of the game in the fourth.  Starter Vin Mazzaro and Long Island's bullpen take care of the rest.  Mazzaro allows just two hits and three walks with six strikeouts through six scoreless innings for his eleventh victory of the season against only four losses with a 3.61 ERA.  Relievers Felix Carvallo, Rob Rogers, and Myles Smith, join in limiting the Blue Crabs to no runs on just two hits and no walks with two strikeouts over the final three innings to complete Long Island's whitewashing of Southern Maryland.

• Atlantic League
• Long Island Ducks

I still find it rather remarkable that Long Island should endure having the contracts of numerous pitchers selected from their roster (Tim Melville; Tim Adleman; Sean Nolin; Jon Niese; George Kontos; Michael Tonkin; to name a few), yet still enter the final series of the regular season second in all the Atlantic League with a 3.79 team ERA.  Lest we forget on June 4, Darin Downs has his contract selected by Los Acereros del Norte (Mexico).  Thank goodness he resigns with the Ducks ten days later because I'm not sure where they'd be without him.  It would behoove the Ducks to proceed with caution as well, as Downs spent time this month on the injured list.

L.I. Ducks: Flock's Next Milestone Lay Dead Ahead

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks lead Blue Crabs; 2-0

I - LID 1; SMD 0

II - LID 2; SMD 1

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

FROM

Waldorf Grounds

A remarkable season continues as Long Island stands poised to sweep this season's Liberty Division standings.

On August 30 they embark on a 12 game win streak which is snapped this past Wednesday by the York Revolution at Bethpage Ballpark.  Otherwise the Ducks are 12-2 in September.  They enter Sunday's series finale at Southern Maryland leading the High Point Rockers and New Britain Bees by 7.5 games in the standings with just eight games left to play.

Do the math ...

With Saturday's second straight victory over the Blue Crabs , Long Island also ties the club's 19-year old record for most wins in a single season.  The Ducks who two decades ago post a 82-58 record in their inaugural season enter Sunday's action with an 82-50 record.  Their next victory will mark the highest single season win total in their history.

Friday's series opener features a classic pitching duel.  Starter Darin Downs allows no runs, no hits, and two walks, with ten strikeouts through five innings pitched.  He faces 17 batters throwing 74 pitches with 47 (64%) going for strikes.  However Downs walks off to a no decision in a scoreless game.  Making a guest appearance out of the bullpen, usual starter Joe Iorio throws three scoreless innings of three hit ball in relief of Downs.  Blue Crabs starter Kevin McGovern likewise walks off with a no decision after allowing no runs on just three hits and two walks with six strikeouts through seven innings.  Opening the tenth inning, L.J. Mazzilli is Long Island's obligatory runner at second base.  Hector Sanchez immediately singles him home.  Myles Smith pitches a scoreless tenth completing Long Island's 1-0 whitewashing of Southern Maryland.

In Game two on Saturday Long Island jumps out to a 2-0 lead in the first, then hold on for a 2-1 victory.  Starter Vin Mazzaro turns in a second straight gem for the Ducks, yielding no runs on just three hits and no walks with eleven strikeouts through 6.2 innings pitched for his tenth victory of the season.  Reliever Cody Mincey closes out the game with 1.2 scoreless innings.  He allows no hits and fans three en route to his fourth save.

L.I. Ducks: The Final Twenty Game Countdown Begins

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks lead series 1-0

I - LID 6; LAN 2

TUESDAY

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Lancaster Barnstormers

FROM

Clipper Magazine Stadium

Despite MLB's continued pilfering of the Ducks, Long Island somehow keeps winning.  Infielder J.T. Rivera (WAS) and closer Michael Tonkin (ARZ) are only the latest to have their contracts recently purchased by a major league organization.  Yet the Ducks enter Tuesday's action against Lancaster with a league best 72-48 record.  They're fresh off a sweep against the struggling Somerset Patriots, and are now winners of four in a row after taking Monday's series opener against the Barnstormers.

Long Island goes 18-12 in August and are the first team this season to achieve 70 wins.  The first-half Liberty Division champs presently lead the second-half race by a 4.5 game margin over the second place High Point Rockers with twenty games remaining on the schedule.  The Ducks are 6-10 versus High Point this season.  The two clubs close out the regular season with a three game series at Bethpage Ballpark.  Until then the Ducks will continue facing Freedom Division opponents.

It's rather remarkable considering how an entire staff worth of pitching has been purchased away from the Ducks that they should still maintain the league's third best team ERA and WHiP.  They've yielded the second least home runs, and not only lead the Atlantic League in strikeouts but are the only staff to date to exceed 1,000 strikeouts.  They're also tied for the league lead with eleven shutouts and forty saves.

Recent Acquisitions:

• rhp - Ismael Cabrera
• lhp - Felix Carvallo
• rhp - Scott Richmond
• rhp - Anderson Leon
• rhp - Brandon Beachy
• lhp - Brandon Sherman
• lhp - Brian Matusz

Where would the Ducks be without season long constants Darin Downs and Joe Iorio?  Downs is second in the league with a 2.71 ERA.  He is sixth among league starting pitchers with a 1.12 WHiP, with only 82 hits allowed and a third best 123 strikeouts in 99.2 innings pitched.  Joe Iorio ranks fourth in the league with a 2.84 ERA.  He owns a 5-3 record through 17 starts and 27 appearances, allowing 101 hits with 82 strikeouts through 111.0 innings pitched.  Through 210.2 combined innings pitched the two have walked just 56 batters.

At the plate the Ducks are middle of the pack:

• #5 Runs Scored; second to High Point within the division.
• #4 Home Runs; to date are one of four teams to exceed 100 home runs.
• #5 Total Bases; second to High Point within division.
• #4 Team Batting
• #7 OBP
• #5 Slugging

That being said, the ageless one Lew Ford is in the midst of a rampage.  He has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games, batting .518 over his last 56 at-bats with four doubles, two home runs, and eleven runs batted in.

• ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Like I said ... what the Ducks are achieving is pretty damn remarkable.

Long Island Ducks: Monday Swim 8/12/2019

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

A Second Half Slog

The first half Liberty Division champs enter their day off with a 14-15 second-half record through 29 games with 41 games remaining to play.  In the meantime the Ducks are presently caught circling in a holding pattern of inconsistency since the onset of August thus making them 5-6 for the month.  But they might be looking to keep that trend going for at least one more game considering Sunday's loss against Lancaster as they open a three game series against the York Revolution Tuesday evening at Bethpage Ballpark.  For their part York has planted their flag atop the Freedom Division with a 20-10 second half record, and a 1.5 game lead over Sugar Land.

After facing York the Ducks travel to North Carolina where there awaits a three game showdown against the second-half leading High Point Rockers whom in the first half demonstrate just how competitive down the stretch they will ultimately be.  Meanwhile Somerset continues struggling with an 11-19 record, six games out of first place.

Where are the Ducks without starters Joe Iorio and Darin Downs?  Iorio is 5-2 with a 2.87 ERA and 1.14 WHiP through 94 innings pitched over 24 appearances and 14 much needed starts.  Downs meanwhile is 3-3 with a 2.72 ERA and 1.11 WHiP with 98 strikeouts through 15 starts and 79.1 innings pitched.  Recent arrival Brian Matusz has so far posted a 2.70 ERA and 0.90 WHiP through his first two starts and ten innings pitched for Long Island.  Jake Fisher on the other hand is struggling along with a 4-6 record and 4.99 ERA and 1.45 WHiP through 13 starts and 70.1 innings pitched.  Long Island's 4.01 team ERA ranks fifth in the Atlantic League.  Their 1.32 team WHiP is third best.  The High Point Rockers lead the circuit in both team ERA and WHiP.

In the absence of Enrique Burgos, Josh Lueke, and George Kontos, reliever Michael Tonkin owns an 0.36 ERA with six saves through 24.2 innings.

On the other side of the ball the Ducks rate bottom third in many of the league's offensive categories.  David Washington still leads the team with 19 home runs and 49 RBI.  L.J. Mazzilli also remains their top hitter with a .283 average.

• Transactions:  Ducks sign free agent right-hand pitcher Ismael Cabrera.  He fills the void left behind by the retirement of Kevin McAvoy.  It comes a week after the free agent signings of right-hander Brandon Beachy and southpaw Brandon Sherman.

Look What the Ducks Did to the Lancaster Barnstormers, Again

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks Lead Series 3-0

I - LID 9; LAN 5

II - LID 2; LAN 1

III - LID 5; LAN 4

GAME FOUR

Lancaster Barnstormers

vs.

Long Island Ducks

FROM

THE POND

Showing no signs of letting up the Ducks close out their third straight victory over the Lancaster Barnstormers - and in doing so nudge the High Point Rockers from their brief stay atop the Liberty Division.  Now back in first, the Flock seeks to complete a sweep of Lancaster at Bethpage Ballpark on Sunday

Long Island wins game one of Friday's doubleheader by a slim 2-1 margin.  All scoring takes place in the fourth.  Facing Ducks starter Darin Downs, Lancaster manufactures a run on a double by Joey Terdoslavich who later comes around to score on a fielder's choice.  Recent Long Island newcomer T.J. Rivera leads off the bottom of the frame with a hit.  One out later, Rivera scores on Lew Ford's triple to right.  Lew Ford soon scores on third baseman Terdoslavich throwing error for a 2-1 lead and final margin of victory.  Downs yields just one run on four hits and no walks with six strikeouts through six innings pitched for his second victory of the season.  Michael Tonkin pitches a scoreless seventh for his first save as a member of the Ducks.

With game two tied at five entering the final frame, Long Island reliever Zack Weiss completes his second inning of scoreless work.  In the home seventh, Lancaster reliever Alejandro Chacin walks the bases loaded.  With two outs, in steps Daniel Fields who greets Chacin with a knock over the right/center field wall for a game ending walk-off grand slam home run.

*            *            *

On Saturday the Ducks win their third straight.  A three run home run from Hector Sanchez in the third, and RBI from Vladimir Frias and David Washington stake the Ducks to a 5-0 lead after four innings.  Starter Joe Iorio allows no runs on just three hits and three walks with two strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Long Island almost unravels when Lancaster rallies for four runs in the eighth off reliever Cody Mincey.  Manager Wally Backman then calls upon relievers Rob Rogers and Michael Tonkin to douse the fire.  The Flock hold on for a 5-4 victory, and stand poised to sweep the Barnstormers with one more victory on Sunday.

L.I. Ducks Clinch 2019 First-Half Liberty Division Flag

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

FIRST-HALF

LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONS

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

Despite losing game two of their weekend series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at Bethpage Ballpark, the Long Island Ducks emerge as this season's first-half Liberty Division champion.  The Flock close out Saturday's action with a league best 42-26 (.618) record and a 1.5 game lead over the Patriots.  Long Island has two games in hand and own the tie-breaker over Somerset, whom only have one game in hand.  The High Point Rockers 3-2 victory over Somerset at North Carolina on Saturday essentially clears Long Island's way.

I'm more impressed than surprised by what the Ducks have thus far accomplished.  Long Island this season has had upwards of nine pitchers pilfered from their staff by MLB organizations - good pitchers too - and therefore I'm thinking they'd be in big trouble as early as mid May.

Instead, Darin Downs posts a 3.08 ERA through ten starts and 49.2 innings.  Joe Irorio chips in with nine starts with a 3.08 ERA through 61.1 overall innings pitched.  Bennett Parry owns a 3.38 ERA through five starts and 26.2 innings pitched.  However Jake Fisher has struggled this season posting a  4-6 record with an unsightly 4.99 ERA.  Which leads me to ask where would the Ducks be without Travis Banwart?  He has been a godsend posting a 3-1 record with a 1.91 ERA through 37.2 innings and an 0.96 WHiP since joining the Ducks.

The (first-half) Ducks are just one of three teams with a staff ERA below four.  Their 3.94 ERA is third behind Somerset's league leading 3.26 mark.  Long Island also places third with a 1.30 WHiP.  The Ducks and Patriots finish first and second respectively in strikeouts.  But Somerset leads the circuit with 31 saves with the Ducks second with 21 saves.

• Ducks Slash: .252/.324/.403/.727, with 64 home runs, 310 runs scored, and 58 stolen bases.
• Patriots Slash: .264/.337/.374/.711, with 38 home runs, 290 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases. 

David Washington leads the Ducks with 18 home runs and 47 RBI, not to mention a team high 13 stolen bases.  Kirk Nieuwenhuis is second with 11 home runs and 41 RBI.  L.J. Mazzilli is batting .283 and leads the team with 18 doubles.

• Steve Lombardozzi is presently injured.
• Local kid from Bronx and former Mets infielder J.T. Rivera joins the Ducks.

The first-half Liberty Division presently features four teams playing at or above the .500 mark.  By Saturday evening, the New Britain Bees had dropped to 34-34 on the season.  Participating in their first Atlantic League campaign the High Point Rockers end the day with 41-29 record, just two games behind the Ducks.  Meanwhile the Freedom Division leading Sugar Land Skeeters are just one game over .500, and are the only team playing above par.  Second place York is a game under yet trail the Skeeters by one game in the standings.

The Ducks and Blue Crabs play the rubber game of their series on Sunday.

Liberty Division Showdown: Long Island Ducks Invade Somerset

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks lead series 1-0

I - LID 3; SOM 1

II - LID 6; SOM 4*

*10 innings

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Somerset Patriots

Long Island and Somerset enter Friday's game one showdown tied for first place.  Jake Fisher toes the rubber for the Ducks and is opposed by Patriots starter Liam O'Sullivan.  The two engage in a scoreless duel through five.  O'Sullivan yields no runs on just four hits and four walks with seven strikeouts through six innings.  He leaves the game on the winning side of a 1-0 game thanks to catcher Mike Ohiman's home run in the sixth off Fisher.  However, relievers Cody Mincey and Vin Mazzaro join to stop the Patriots cold.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis leads off the top of the eighth off reliever Mike Broadway with a single up the middle.  Deibinson Romero likewise reaches safely with a hit.  With one out, Hector Sanchez connects on a three run home run for a 3-1 Ducks lead.  Mazzaro pitches a scoreless bottom half of the eighth, and Enrique Burgos pitches a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts en route to earning his seventh save of the season.

With the much needed victory Long Island retakes sole control of first place, but only by a game.  The rivalry resumes Saturday evening in game two at Somerset and for game #61 of their respective seasons.  The first-half Liberty Division title hangs in the balance.

GAME TWO

Ducks    6

Patriots  4

10 innings

Three outs away from victory, the Patriots come undone.  Trailing 2-4 after eight innings, the Ducks rally for two unearned runs in the top of the ninth forcing extra innings.  In the tenth, they score two more unearned runs for their second straight victory over the Patriots at Somerset.

Darin Downs pitches well despite a no-decision.  He yields two runs on seven hits and just one walk with eight strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Patriots starter David Kubiak likewise settles for a no decision pitching eight strong innings while surrendering two runs on just four hits and one walk with five strikeouts.

With one out and the bases loaded in the ninth, Deibinson Romero grounds to short.  Patriots second baseman Rey Navarro throws away the relay while attempting a double-play.  Both Ezequiel Carrera and L.J. Mazzilli score on the play.  In the tenth, Vladimir Frias singles in the go-ahead run.  The Patriots then lend Long Island an insurance run on Rey Navarro's second error allowing Ramon Cabrera to score from third.

Reliever Michael Tonkin pitches a scoreless bottom half of the frame en route to earning his first victory of the season.

Long Island enters Sunday afternoon's match with a two game lead over the Patriots.

L.I. Ducks: Time and Division Lead Running Short

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks Defeat Barnstormers 3-1

I - LAN 4; LID 3

II - LID 12; LAN 8

III - LID 4; LAN 3

IV - LID 7; LAN 4

Pressure On Flock To Avoid Getting Stung by Bees

Wins and time are increasingly of the essence.  First place Long Island enters Tuesday's action with a league best 35-21 (.625) record.  They're presently staked to a precarious 1.5 game lead over Somerset, and a three game lead over the expansion High Point Rockers.  A mere 13 games remain before the all-star break and conclusion of the season's first half.  They Ducks have been perched atop the standings for much of the season making the Liberty Division theirs to lose.  That said, they host the New Britain Bees this week before heading back to Somerset for what should amount to another fierce battle for first place against the Patriots.

The Bees may be in last place of the Liberty Division, but they're only five games out of first.  The entire division is playing above .500 baseball.  New Britain enters Bethpage Ballpark with a 30-26 record, and like the Ducks enter the series winners of three in a row.

New Britain Bees

vs.

Long Island Ducks

FROM 

THE POND

David Washington is tied for the league lead with 16 home runs, and is third with 40 RBI.  Kirk Nieuwenhuis is second on the team with ten home runs and 35 runs batted in.  L.J.Mazzilli leads the team with 14 doubles.  Despite hitting the league's second most home runs the Ducks are only sixth in runs scored.

As we know, nine pitchers have had their contracts purchased this season from the Ducks.  Yet, the Flock continues getting clutch performances from those still donning a Long Island uniform.  On Friday the Ducks split a double-header against Lancaster, while getting a respectable five inning start from Joe Iorio.  On Saturday, Jake Fisher turns in an effective veteran effort to earn his fourth victory of the season.  In Sunday's series finale, the Ducks get an abbreviated albeit arguably effective start from Darin Downs.

The ongoing question remains: do they have enough starting pitching to see this first half through to a pennant?

L.I. Ducks: Flock Yields First Place to Somerset Patriots

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LIBERTY DIVISION SHOWDOWN

Patriots lead Ducks 2-0

I - SOM 5; LID 2

II - SOM 4; LID 1

The Somerset Patriots win their fifth in a row while Long Island loses their fourth in a row.  After leading a tightly packed division for a great majority of this first half the Ducks now trail the Patriots in the Liberty Division standings by one full game.  They relinquish their lead via a second straight loss at Somerset on Wednesday.

The Patriots did what they do best: pitch.  Through two games Somerset has now limited Long Island to three total runs and rationed them to five hits in each game.

Starter Thomas Dorminy blanked the Flock through five innings, allowing just three hits and three walks with three strikeouts.  A trio of Patriots relievers would then join in limiting Long Island to one run on just two hits and no walks with two strikeouts.  Somerset closer Mike Antonini pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his league leading 21st save of the season.

With Somerset leading 3-0 after seven, Long Island scored their lone run of the game in the eighth on consecutive doubles from Steve Lombardozzi and L.J. Mazzilli.  

Ducks starter Darin Downs seventh start of the season is brief after allowing two runs on six hits and one walk with four strikeouts trough three innings of work.  He falls to 0-2 on the season while his ERA jumps from 3.09 to a 3.34 mark.  The Ducks relievers joined on five innings allowing two runs on four hits and two walks with five strikeouts.

L.I. Ducks: Former Mets Join to Upend Crabs in Ninth

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks @ Crabs tied 1-1

I - SMD 3; LID 2

II - LID 2; SMD 1

ICYMI: Blue Crabs Walk Off With Game One Victory 

Long Island Ducks: Flock Return Favor With Ninth Inning Effort; Knot Four Game Series at One.

There's no need to fear ... Darin Downs is still here!

With MLB declaring open season on Ducks pitching, Long Island suddenly finds themselves needing extra added quality from their remaining starters.  Over their last respective starts, Bennett Parry and Darrin Downs have provided just that.

The indispensable third year Ducks hurler limited the Blue Crabs to an earned run on just four hits and a walk with ten strikeouts through seven innings pitched in game two at Southern Maryland.  He faced 26 batters, while throwing 93 pitches with 68 (73%) going for strikes.   He unfortunately exited the game with the score tied at one.

Meanwhile, Maryland starter Craig Stem was in the midst of polishing his own gem, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and no walks with seven strikeouts during a complete game, albeit losing effort.

Crabs left fielder Tony Thomas singled home the game's first run in the second.  Daniel Field's third home run of the season tied the game at one in the seventh.  After which, a trio of former Mets joined forces to impact the game.  Kirk Nieuwenhuis led-off the top of the ninth with a double, then advanced to third on L.J. Mazzilli's sacrifice bunt.  Next in, Matt den Dekker's base hit through the left side plated Nieuwenhuis from third with the go ahead run.

Joe Iorio earned the win in relief of Downs, while George Kontos, making just his second appearance for Long Island, pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his first save as a member of the Ducks.

Entering Tuesday's action Kirk Nieuwenhuis was leading the circuit with 15 RBI, while his .983 OPS rated fourth, and .345 average through 15 games ranks seventh.

The Ducks improve to 12-5 (.706) and remain one-half game behind the first place Somerset Patriots whom likewise turned away the High Point Rockers in Tuesday night action.  Long Island now leads the circuit with twelve victories.  They've played three more games than Somerset.

L.I. Ducks: Revolution Spoil Flock's Home Opener

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

OPENING DAY

20th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

YORK REVOLUTION

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

Long Island Ducks: Flock Overcome Five Run Deficit But Fall in Extra Innings.

Following a triumphant (6-1) season opening road trip through York and Lancaster, the Flock arrived at an unseasonably dank Bethpage Ballpark where they opened their 20th anniversary season against the Revolution on Friday.

York initiated the scoring against Ducks starter Darin Downs with five runs through the first three innings of play.  Coach Backman watched 15 Revolution batters levy a 64-pitch tax upon Downs, and was forced into utilizing his bullpen by the fourth.

Long Island commenced their counter in the fourth when David Washington connected on a two run home run off Revs starter Daniel Minor.  That's the way things stayed until the eighth when York reliever Jeffrey Rosa plunked both Steve Lombardozzi and Lew Ford leading off the inning.  With David Washington at the plate, Rosa unleashed a wild pitch advancing the runners, then unleashed a second errant pitch allowing Lombardozzi to score from third.

With York's Josh Judy pitching in the ninth, Daniel Fields connected on a one out home run to bring the Ducks to within one.  With two outs, Rey Fuentes singled, then promptly scored the game tying run on Steve Lombardozzi's double to left.

Into extra innings they would go ... but not for long.

Under new age rules, York's Ryan Dent would start the top of the tenth as a base runner on second base.  With one out, center fielder J.P. Sportman singled to left; Dent advanced to third, then scored on second baseman Alexi Casilla's ground ball out to second.

The Ducks went down in order in the home tenth, as York reliever Julio Perez fanned the final two batters of the game.

L.I. Ducks: Quack Attack Ends Three Day Siege of York

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

DUCKS SWEEP SERIES 3-0

I - LID 12; YRK 3

II - LID 14; YRK 0

III - LID 8; YRK 4

Flock Opens Season With Series Sweep of York Revolution.

Long Island's triumphant siege of the York Revolution has mercifully come to an end.  To the victors go the season opening series spoils: three games in the win column.

To say the Ducks regular season is off to a resounding start is putting it mildly.  With eight more runs in game three, Long Island outscores York in the series by a commanding 34-7 margin.

Matt den Dekker and Ivan DeJesus Jr. led Long Island's barrage with three hits apiece.  Matt went 3 for 5 with two doubles; DeJesus was likewise 3 for 5 with two RBI.  Kirk Nieuwenhuis was 2 for 4 with another two RBI.  The Ducks batted 16 for 40 (.347) for the game, and were 7 for 16 (.437) with runners in scoring position as part of an overall 16 hit, eight run attack.

Darin Downs started the game but did not qualify for the victory.  He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts before exiting after four innings pitched.  Tim Adleman followed, allowing an earned run on two hits and a walk with three strikeouts through two innings en route to his first relief victory of the season.

L.I. Ducks: First Place Showdown at Harbor Yard

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

FERRY CUP SERIES

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

vs.

BRIDGEPORT BLUEFISH

FROM

The Ballpark at Habor Yard

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Flock Migrate Across the Sound for First Place Showdown Against Fish.

Never mind the part about Long Island holding a 10-3 advantage over the Fish in this season's Ferry Cup series.  Bridgeport enters this weekend's series against the migrating Ducks by just a game in the Liberty Division standings.

The Ducks lost their Thursday morning series finale to the Patriots by a 3-1 score in Somerset, leaving the Bluefish just a half game behind.  Bridgeport, however, failed to seize the moment Thursday evening when they bowed to the Sugar Land Skeeters, thus setting the stage for this weekend's first place showdown at Harbor Yard.

These teams last met in July with the Ducks taking two of three at Bethpage Ballpark.

Friday series opener will feature a pair of right-handers.  Bobby Blevins will climb the hill for Long Island and will be opposed by Bridgeport's David Kubiak.

I just might be there, as I embark on my second road trip back into New England for more minor league baseball.  I'm thinking of attending just to kick back with a hot dog before the longer drive ahead, and of course, to cheer on the Ducks in another team's ballpark.

• The Ducks will miss Bridgeport starting pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo who pitched on Aug. 2 against Sugar Land, and whom leads the Atlantic League with 10 victories, and is fourth with 99 strikeouts.

• Long Island's Darin Downs and John Brownell are among those tied for second with eight victories each.

• Delta Cleary Jr. enters the series leading the Atlantic League with a .321 batting average.   Fehlandt Lentini is second with a .309 average.

Somerset Patriots salvage series finale

Ducks win series 2-1

I - LID 4; SOM 2

II - LID 3; SOM 2

III - SOM 3; LID 1

With the Ducks still patching together a solution for a fifth starter, southpaw Dustin Richardson made only his fourth start of the season Thursday morning in Somerset.  He tossed five innings before exiting on the losing side of a 3-1 game and eventual Ducks' loss.

Dustin allowed all three Somerset runs on 10 hits and two walks, with four strikeouts.  He faces 24 batters, threw 89 pitches, with 55 (61%) going for strikes.

The Atlantic League batting leader, Delta Cleary Jr. knocked in the Ducks lone run of the game with a double in the third inning scoring Fehlandt Lentini.

Somerset employed a pitcher by committee, utilizing seven hurlers, who limited Long Island to just four hits all game.  Starter Rudy Owens started, allowed just a hit but walked five batters in 2.2 innings of work.  Six other relievers combined to allow no runs on three hits, no walks, with five strikeouts over 6.1 innings of work.  Former Ducks closer Jon Hunton notched his league leading (tied) 25th save of the season.

On August 1, rhp DJ Mitchell was acquired from Bridgeport for first baseman Sean Burroughs.  He made his first appearance for the Ducks on Aug 3 in Game Two against Somerset.  He threw five innings for the victory, allowing just two earned runs on four hits and four walks, with five strikeouts.

• Mitchell previously made 12 appearances and nine starts for the Fish, posting a 2-3 record with a 4.39 ERA.  He allowed 58 hits and fanned 48 through 55.1 innings pitched.

Staff ace John Brownell was stellar in Tuesday's series opener in Somerset.  He walked off to a no decision, but tossed seven innings, allowed one earned run on five hits and no walks, while striking out eight.

Extra Innings

The dog days of summer are upon us.  Long Island will have one day off throughout the month of August (Monday the 22nd).  Due to a scheduled double-header late in the month against Lancaster, Long Island will wind up playing 30 games in 30 days.

L.I. Ducks: Open Season at the Pond

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

The Atlantic League ... Land of Opportunity,

but not without occasional, untimely, 

and certainly frustrating moments for fans.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Jack Snodgrass Plucked from Flock by Texas Rangers.

The Atlantic League is a fine circuit, and indeed a land of opportunity in a manner of speaking.

Just ask Ducks fans about Mickey Jannis and Mark Blackmar, to name two, who've previously pitched very effectively for the Long Island Ducks, and in turn had their respective contracts purchased by an MLB organization - Blackmar last weekend by the Nationals and Jannis last season by the Mets.

Even Mike Loree parlayed his time in Long Island several years ago into a trip overseas.

The Ducks announced on Friday the contract of southpaw Jack Snodgrass, 28, was purchased by the Texas Rangers organization.

Through July 5, Jack was 6-6 with a 3.79 ERA, and a 1.430 WHiP in 14 starts for the Ducks, with 85 strikeouts in 78.1 innings pitched.  His longest outing of the season came on June 20 in which he tossed 6.2 innings against York.  He otherwise pitched six full innings in ten other starts.  Atlantic League batters were hitting .272 against him.

Congratulations to Jack, Mark, and all who've returned to the big show via the Atlantic League.

Sometimes, however, these transactions can be a little deflating, as a fan of the team that is..

So how important was winning the first half pennant looking now?

Goes without saying ...

The onus is now on remaining starters John Brownell, Darin Downs, Bobby Blevins, and Bruce Kern, to carry an even heavier load until general manager Michael Pfaff can seek out capable mound reinforcements - yes, more than one arm is necessary, especially on the heels of clinching a first half pennant.  Literally and figuratively, the Ducks have till the playoffs to rearm their staff.

• Together, Downs, Snodgrass, and Brownell formed the top three league leaders in strikeouts.

In the meantime, on Thursday, July 7, Coach Baez implemented a pitcher by committee in Long Island's series opener at Southern Maryland.  Kevin Vance made his first start of the season, charged with pitching the first three innings of the game (after making 20 prior appearances as a reliever).   Coach Baez then matriculated six other relievers through the box en route to a 5-3 victory.

On Friday, John Brownell led the Ducks in a 6-2 victory with seven innings pitched over the Blue Crabs.  He limited Southern Maryland to just one earned run on six hits and a walk, with six strikeouts.  It was Brownell's franchise record extending 41st victory as a member of the Ducks.  He is now 6-3 this season with a 2.77 ERA in 13 starts.

L.I. Ducks: Flock Earns First Half Flag With Strong Finish

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

FIRST ~ HALF

LIBERTY DIVISION

CHAMPIONS

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: It's not how you start, it's how you finsh! Flock overcome Somerset Patriots' 13-0 season start to clinch Liberty Division first half pennant.

In a classic wire-to-wire pennant race against the Somerset Patriots, Long Island entered the weekend with their own destiny in hand, but not before June proved to be a month of extreme peaks and valleys.  They finished strongly, however, going 8-2 down the stretch and winning their last three games to secure a place in this Autumn's post-season.

The first half truly was a 68 game struggle ... the Ducks entered Saturday's action with a magic number of one over the Somerset Patriots, who never made things easy down to the last by defeating the Bridgeport Bluefish ensuring the Liberty Division race would remain banjo tight.

After Saturday's clincher, Ducks fans rewarded their team's pennant with a franchise record setting 7,602 in attendance during Sunday's series sweep over the Sugar Land Skeeters and first half finale.

Post-Game pic/AtlanticLeague.com 

Long Island ended the first half with a 40-30 record, two games ahead of the perennially contending Somerset Patriots, and tied with the Freedom Division champs York Revolution for the best record in the league.

Saturday's 6-1 clincher over the Skeeters featured John Brownell's franchise record setting 41st victory as a member of the Long Island Ducks.  After facing 33 batters, and throwing 125 pitches with 81 going for strikes through 8.1 innings pitched, Coach Baez removed Brownell from the game so as to let his starter walk off to a well deserved home crowd ovation.

The Ducks veteran ace allowed a lone earned run on seven hits and two walks, with six strikeouts, improving to 5-3, while lowering his ERA from 3.10 to a 2.90 mark.  Now in his fifth season with the Ducks, Brownell owns a career 41-30 record with a 3.43 ERA over 641 innings pitched.

The Long Island Ducks will begin relying on John Brownell, Jack Snodgrass, and Darin Downs, a whole lot more from here on out.   That's because MLB eyes noticed the work of starter, and Atlantic League's second best ERA leader Mark Blackmar, whose contract was purchased by the Washington Nationals.  While this is yet another Atlantic League mission accomplished story (..and good luck to him!), this is nonetheless a big blow to the Ducks.

In Blackmar's absence, John Brownell is now tied for second in league ERA behind Bridgeport's Mike Antonini.