L.I. Ducks: Revolution Outlasts Flock in Series Opener

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Championship Series

Revolution leads series 1-0

I - Revs 8; Ducks 7

II - @ Long Island

Long Island Ducks: Wild Opening Game at the Pond Ends in Defeat.

In a somewhat literal sense, this game got out of control.  Of the 13 pitchers appearing in this game, 12 issued at least one walk.  All told, York and Long Island pitchers combined to issue 20 base on balls.

Therefore, any pitch that strayed into the strike zone was bound to be struck, solidly.  Sure enough, the difference maker in this game was Revs DH Michael Burgess' 3-run home run off Ducks starter Matt Larkins in the top of the third.

Otherwise, the game was a wild back and forth affair.  York held a commanding 4-0 lead through the first four innings of play.  Long Island then answered back with a four-run bottom of the fifth.  Dan Lyons plated the first two runs with a double to left, and Lew Ford plated the second pair with a single to left.

Delta Cleary Jr.'s RBI single in the sixth gave the Ducks their only lead of the night.  But it was short-lived.  York plated a pair of runs in each of the seventh and eighth innings.

The Ducks closed to with 7-8 in the bottom of the eighth, but mustered no more.

Starter Matt Larkins walked off to a no-decision after allowed four earned runs on seven hits and three walks, with five strikeouts.  Reliever James Jones got tagged with the loss after failing to retire a batter - surrendering two runs on two hits and a walk.

At the plate, eternal veteran Lew Ford went 3 for 5 with three RBI.

L.I. Ducks: Rollercoaster Ride Continues

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

OPENING DAY

FINAL

Bees     3

Ducks   4

Opening the 2017 regular season on the road seemingly caused a little limp in the Flock's waddle.   They dropped four of their first seven games punctuated by a series loss against the Somerset Patriots.  The webbed wonders did, however, take the series finale from their chief rival to at least head home on a winning note.

Friday's Opening Day game at the Pond against the New Britain Bees was one of those which reaffirms the notion - it's not how you start, but how you finish that's important.  That being said, the visitors jumped out to an abrupt first inning lead when Bees DH and clean-up hitter Craig Maddox stroked a majestic three run home run off Ducks starter Keith Couch.

But Couch regrouped, and followed up with three scoreless innings of work.  Although charged with three runs on three hits, he fanned five batters and retired nine of his last ten batters faced through the fourth.

Reliever Zac Treece picked up where Couch left off, with three scoreless innings of one hit ball.  And after a good stretch, Long Island finally got Couch off the losing side, with a four run outburst in the home seventh.

Second baseman Elmer Reyes plated the Ducks first two runs with a double.  Delta Cleary Jr.'s RBI single tied the game at three, and DH Marc Kruass' sac fly to center gave the Ducks a 4-3 lead, and their final margin of victory.

Patrick Crider struck out the side in the eighth, and veteran David Aardsma fanned a pair in during a scoreless ninth for his first save.  Zac Treece earned the well deserved victory.

Saturday Final

Bees     3

Ducks   2

Unfortunately, the Flock were unable to extend their winning streak to three, dropping the middle game if their three game set against New Britain.

Saturday's 3-2 loss also lowered Long Island's early season record below .500 again.

Ducks starter Tim Melville pitched five innings in a losing effort, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits, with three strikeouts.

Matt Larkins will start Sunday's rubber game for Long Island.

L.I. Ducks: Talking Quack; 2017 Season Preview

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

18th SEASON

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2004    2012    2013

2016

RECORD

72-68

Liberty Division Champs

After falling behind the Somerset Patriots 0-2 in last year's Liberty Division playoff series, Long Island stormed back with three straight victories to win the division flag, and advance to their fifth ever Atlantic League championship series.  However, the Ducks were denied their bid for a fourth trophy by the Sugar Land Skeeters, whom swept Long Island in three games to capture the 2016 Atlantic League title.

After a previously failed bid in 2014, Sugar Land gained their first championship in their short five year existence, and became the Atlantic League's ninth different champion in its 19-year history.  

The 20th Season of Atlantic League Baseball is Underway!

Long Island's reigning all-time pitching ace, John Brownell, returns for his sixth season with the Ducks. He is the organization's all-time leader in starts, innings pitched, wins, and strikeouts, and likewise holds Ducks single season records for starts, innings pitched, complete games, and strikeouts.  

John posted a 10-8 mark last season with a 3.30 ERA and 1.260 WHiP.  He averaged 7.8 K/9 with 147 strikeouts and 2.0 W/9 after issuing just 38 walks through 169 innings pitched.  After which, Brownell, 33, made his annual return to Puerto Rico where he pitches winter league baseball for the Caguas Criollos.  There, he made seven appearances for this year's LBPRC champions, posting a 2.91 ERA for Caguas through 34 innings pitched, with 17 strikeouts.

John Brownell will be pitching with a revamped stable of mates this season featuring Rafael Perez, Matt Larkin, Keith Couch, and Tim Melville.

• Rafael Perez, 34, is a southpaw and former major league relief pitcher for the Cleveland Indians.  He posted a 21-12 record with a 3.64 ERA through 329 innings pitched, with 268 strikeouts during his seven seasons with the Tribe.  He spent the last two seasons pitching in the triple-A Mexican League and in the Dominican Republic's professional circuit.

• Right-hander Matt Larkins, 28, was acquired from the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association last year, and squeezed in three appearances for the Ducks before season's end.  He was 7-7 with a 3.69 ERA in 21 appearances for Lincoln.

• Newcomer to the Ducks, right-hander Keith Couch, 27, is a Mineola, Long Island kid, and former Boston Red Sox minor league farm product, with 157 innings pitched at the triple-A level.

• Another newcomer, right-hander Tim Melville is an eight year veteran of the Kansas City Royals and Cincinnati Reds respective systems.  Through 161 appearances mostly as a starter, Melville owns a 34-59 record with a 4.83 ERA and 578 strikeouts over 726 career innings pitched.

When right-hander Rob Rogers was signed on April 19, southpaw Jack Snodgrass was placed on the inactive list.  Rogers, a 26-year old New York native hailing from Bayshore is a Los Angeles Dodgers product whom gained limited experience at double-A, and enjoyed a very brief sip of Gatorade at triple-A.  Snodgrass made 14 starts last season for the Ducks, posting a par 6-6 record with a 3.79 ERA and 85 strikeouts through 78.1 innings pitched.

Rejoining the bullpen from last season will be Eury de la Rosa, Patrick Crider, and Zac Treece.   They'll be joined by newcomers Jim Fuller, Dennis O'Grady, Chin Hui Tsao, and major league veteran David Aardsma.  For now, Amalio Diaz will open the season as the Ducks closer.  But should Diaz falter, I would argue newcomer Tyler Wilson could step into that role.

• Tyler Wilson was acquired from the Ottawa Champions of the CanAm League.  He made 42 appearances last season, posting a 3-4 record with a 2.07 ERA and 14 saves over 47.2 innings pitched with 60 strikeouts.

• Jim Fuller comes to the Ducks via the Pirates organization.  He was originally drafted by the Mets, and played for the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2009.

• Dennis O'Grady is another local kid from Floral Park, N.Y., who attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens.  After five seasons in the San Diego Padres organization, he missed all of 2016.

• Chin-Hui Tsao is a six year major league veteran with the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers.  But similar to Dennis O'Grady, he missed all of the 2006 and 2008 seasons.

• David Aardsma is a nine year MLB veteran, whom pitched for the Mets in 2013, and as the Seattle Mariners closer saved 69 games between 2009-2010.

The Ducks will sport two fresh faces behind the plate: right swinging Alex Burg and lefty swinging Dominic Blanco.

• Alex Burg is a potential power hitting backstop who spent the last two seasons toiling in the Texas Rangers system.

• Drafted out of high school by the Seattle Mariners, Dominic Blanco is still young at 21-years old.  He enters the season with just 63 professional games under his belt, mostly at the rookie league level.  He's noted for having a strong arm.

The infield once again features popular shortstop Dan Lyons who returns for his seventh season with the Ducks, and third baseman Cody Puckett, entering his fourth straight season with Long Island.  

• The team is anticipating a full season and lots of slugging from first baseman Nate Freiman, who hit two home runs in just six games last season for Long Island after being acquired as a free agent.  In 2012 for the San Diego Padres double-A affiliate, Freiman slashed .298/.370/.502 through 137 games and 516 at-bats, with 24 home runs and 105 RBI.  He went on to play in 116 MLB games and slugged .408 for the Oakland A's during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

• Infielder Elmer Reyes first played for the Ducks in 2015, and in just 18 games and 71 at-bats, slashed .380/.389/.746, with six home runs and 15 RBI.  Talk about catching lighting in a bottle.  He spent last season playing for the Nicaraguan National team.  Still only 26-years old, there's a very good chance for lightning striking twice.

• Marc Krauss, 29, is a three year MLB veteran.  He played 85 games and hit 14 home runs last season for the triple-A Las Vegas 51s.

• Giovanny Alfonzo, 24, is a Miami Marlins product, with 126 games played split between the New York-Penn League and South Atlantic League.

In the outfield, the ageless Fehlandt Lentini is back for his fourth season with the Ducks.  A long time independent league veteran, Lentini turns the big four-zero this summer.  He is also coming off a career year for Long Island.  In 140 games and 571 at-bats last season, Fehlandt slashed .313/.364/.455, with 42 doubles, six triples, nine home runs, 75 RBI, 108 runs scored, and 51 stolen bases.

Delta Cleary Jr. returns for his third season.  He finished third in the Atlantic League last season with a .321 batting average, and placed fifth with 32 stolen bases.

• Newcomer to the Ducks, corner outfielder Nolan Reimold, 33, is a nine year MLB veteran mostly spent with the Baltimore Orioles.

• Angelo Songco, 28, is a Los Angeles Dodgers product.  He averaged .298, with 15 home runs and 64 RBI during his three previous seasons playing for the St. Paul Saints.

Long Island Ducks

Atlantic League

L.I. Ducks: Patriots Walk Off With Game One Victory

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Patriots lead series 1-0

I - SOM 3; LID 2*

*11 innings

II - Thursday @ Somerset

Long Island Ducks: Patriots Get Unlikely Jolt From Bat of Scott Kelly, as Anthony Vega Watches Game One Hopes Sail Over Left Field Wall.

The rematch of last year's Liberty Division final is underway in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

And to the surprise of no one, the rivalry needed extra innings in order to decide the series opener.

After splitting 20 regular season games down the middle, did you expect otherwise?

GAME ONE FINAL

Ducks     2

Patriots  3

11 innings

Toeing the rubber for Somerset, starter Will Oliver successfully turned away Long Island's first three batters of the evening.

Long Island starter John Brownell, however, commenced his evening rather ominously, walking the first batter he faced, center fielder Vinny Zarillo, on four pitches.  Zarillo and left fielder Aharon Eggelston traded places on the bases after a fielder's choice.  With two outs, Brownell issued another walk to first baseman Bryan LaHair.  Third baseman David Vidal then doubled home Eggelston with the game's first run.

Long Island promptly tied the score in the top of the second on singles by Cody Puckett and Ruben Gotay, and a throwing error by Will Oliver.  They took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth on Anthony Vega's two out RBI single plating Ruben Gotay.

But the defending Atlantic League champs would not be denied, tying the game at two with a run in the home sixth.  John Brownell issued a two out walk to number six hitter Kyle Roller, who promptly scored on right fielder Carlos Guzman's double to center.

Both starting pitchers walked off with no decisions.

• Will Oliver faced 30 batters in seven innings pitched, in which he allowed two runs on eight hits and two walks, with three strikeouts.

• John Brownell faced 26 batters in six innings pitched, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks, with a pair of strikeouts.

Long Island loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the ninth inning on a Mike Dowd double, and walks to Fehlandt Lentini and Dan Lyons.  But Delta Cleary Jr. left them stranded with a harmless fly to left.

Into extra innings they went.

Long Island staved off trouble in the 10th, turning an inning ending double play.

But the Flock's luck would run out one frame later.  With one out in the bottom of the 11th, shortstop Scott Kelly (the apparent Al Weiss of Somerset) jerked a ball just inside the left field foul pole, and barely over the wall for a walk off home run off reliever James Lomangino, giving the Patriots a 3-2 opening game victory over the Ducks.

Long Island Ducks: Atlantic League Playoff Preview

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

*  2016  *

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS

Freedom Division Series

YORK REVOLUTION

vs.

SUGAR LAND SKEETERS

This year's Freedom Division series opens Tuesday evening, and features the first-half champion York Revolution facing off against the second-half champ Sugar Land Skeeters.  The series opens in Sugar Land, then shifts to York for games three through five (if necessary).

• Finishing the season with the league's second most victories, York last won back-to-back Atlantic League titles in 2010-2011.

• Two short years after Sugar Land's founding, the Skeeters were swept in the 2014 A.L. championship series by the Lancaster Barnstormers.

Liberty Division Series

FLOCK at the GATES..!!

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Somerset Patriots

FROM

TD Bank Ballpark

Bridgewater, N.J.

On Wednesday, old time rivals resume hostilities when the defending Atlantic League champion and this year's second-half Liberty Division winner Somerset Patriots host the first-half champ Long Island Ducks.

• Finishing the regular season with the league's best record, the Somerset Patriots are chasing their seventh ever Atlantic League championship.  They've also lost four championship series along the way.

• After losing to York in the 2011 championship series, the Ducks rebounded to win back-to-back titles in 2012-13, then failed to qualify for the 2014 post-season.  They were then eliminated in the first round of last year's playoffs.

Overall Record

Patriots  77-63

Ducks    72-68

These rivals last faced off on August 11, with Somerset gaining a 7-4 victory at Bethpage Ballpark.   

However, these teams could not be more evenly matched.  The Ducks and Patriots met 20 times in the regular season, with each claiming ten victories.  

The Patriots opened the regular season by sweeping four games from the Ducks.  But despite posting a 7-3 first-half record against Long Island, it was the Flock that would capture the first-half crown.  

In an ironic reversal of fortune, the Ducks kicked off the second-half with a three game sweep of the Patriots, en route to a 7-3 record over Somerset.  However, Somerset ensured themselves the opportunity of defending their league title by capturing the Liberty Division second-half flag.

If only marginally, Somerset seemingly enters these playoffs the hotter club.  The Patriots posted an 11-8 record in September, but finished 5-5 over their last ten games of the season.  Long Island posted an 8-10 record in September, but finished 6-4 over their final ten games.

The Patriots seemingly own a slight offensive advantage over the Ducks.  Long Island's pitching, however, seems to enjoy the edge over that of Somerset's.

At The Plate

Team Slash

• SOM - .272/.349/.401
• LID - .270/.334/.388

Runs

• SOM - 694
• LID - 635

Home Runs

• SOM - 116
• LID - 84

Total Bases

• SOM - 1,933
• LID - 1,808

Stolen Bases

• SOM - 166
• LID - 124

Long Island's MVP candidate Fehlandt Lentini is the only Atlantic League player to score over 100 runs this season.  He additionally leads the circuit in total hits and doubles, places second in stolen bases, fifth in both batting average and RBI, and leads the Ducks with a .455 slugging average.

With a .321 batting average, the Ducks Delta Cleary Jr. ranks third.  Aharon Eggelston batted .310 and Eric Farris batted .301 this season for the Patriots.  Eggelston is fifth in the League with a .388 OBP, while Ruben Gotay ranks ninth and leads the Ducks with a .372 mark.

Anthony Vega is sixth in the league with 75 runs scored, while Somerset's Farris and Eggelston are ranked seventh and tenth respectively.

The Patriots' David Vidal is second in the league with 26 home runs.  Anthony Vega leads the Ducks with eleven, while catcher Mike Blanke has ten.  Fehlandt Lentini, however, leads either team with a .455 slugging average, while Carlos Guzman leads Somerset with a .408 mark.

Bryan LaHair leads the Patriots and ranks second in the league with 86 RBI.  For Long Island, Fehlandt Lentini drove in 75 runs, and Cody Puckett is sixth with 73 RBI.

Ducks outfielder Lew Ford spent considerable time on the disabled list this season due to a strained hamstring, but is expected to be a regular starter during the playoffs.  Originally injured on May 28, he remained out through June 24.  After just five games back, he was sidelined again on June 30 through August 23.  Ford finally returned to action on August 24, and has remained on the field since.

On The Mound

ERA

• SOM - 3.90
• LID - 3.87

WHiP

• SOM - 1.29
• LID - 1.33

Average Against

• SOM - .256
• LID - .256

Slugging Against

• SOM - .392
• LID - .382

Strikeouts

• SOM - 1,080
• LID - 1,084

Base on Balls

• SOM - 361
• LID - 394

There's a good reason why the Ducks finished the second-half in last place with a 32-38 record.  The month of July took a ruinous toll on their pitching staff.  The contracts of Mark Blackmar, Jack Snodgrass, Darin Downs, Bruce Kern, and others, were all purchased away.

Mainstay John Brownell remains, giving the Ducks a fighting chance.  The usually reliable Bobby Blevins endured a rough season.  The Ducks will instead be looking to Matt Larkins, Jarrett Leverett, Daniel Hererra, and Nick Struck to get them through.

Long Island batters will be opposed by Will Oliver, Nik Turley, the familiar Shaun Garceau, and perhaps Efrain Nieves.

Patriots closer Jon Hunton led the Atlantic League with 37 saves, while posting a 3.76 ERA over 50.1 innings pitched.  Ducks closer Todd Coffey registered 27 saves with a 3.08 ERA over 44 innings pitched.

The best of five series shifts to Long Island's Bethpage Ballpark for games three through five (if necessary).

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: 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 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: Flock Fit To Be Tied

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE:

SHOWDOWN at SOMERSET

Series tied 1-1

I - SOM 5; LID 4

II - LID 8; SOM 7

III - WEDNESDAY

IV- THURSDAY

GAME THREE

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Somerset Patriots

FROM

Some Ballpark

New Jersey

LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Flock overcomes poor start by John Brownell to even series.

Like two stubborn mules, neither team is budging.

Game One:
Ducks     4
Patriots  5

Game Two:
Ducks     8
Patriots  7

Long Island enters Game Three this evening the same way they entered Monday's series opener - trailing the first place Somerset Patriots by one game in the standings.

Game One in Somerset was a see-saw affair.  Each scored a pair in their respective halves of the 3rd inning.  After Somerset went ahead 4-2 in the 4th, the Ducks answered back with two runs in the 5th.

The game then ended, very literally in walk-off fashion.

In the home 9th, Ducks' reliever Billy Buckner issued a lead-off walk to Patriots' left fielder Aharon Eggleston.  With 1-out, Buckner issued an intentional pass to DH Michael Burgess.  An E-5 then loaded the bases.  After fanning second baseman Nate Spears, Billy Buckner walked right fielder Ricky Claudio to plate the winning run.

Former Ducks closer Jon Hunton pitched a scoreless top half of the 9th to earn his 2nd victory of the season.  Hunton otherwise has successfully saved 30 games this season.

Ducks starter Darin Downs pitched to the scoreboard.  Through 7 innings pitched, he allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits, walked 4 and fanned a pair prior to being relieved by Buckner.

This was only Billy Buckner's third loss of the season.  After getting tagged with his first loss back on May 29th, Billy went on to post 7 straight victories before losing his last two.

The loss dropped Long Island 2 games back of Somerset.

...but not for long.


The Ducks trailed the Patriots 7-4 through 8 innings of Game Two.

Enter Jon Hunton.., again.

With one on, and 2-outs in the top of the 9th, Hunton issued a walk to shortstop Dan Lyons.  Then with 2-outs, the Ducks strung together 4 straight hits en route to a 4 run outburst, and an 8-7 margin of victory.

Despite issuing 3 walks, Ducks reliever Nick Struck pitched a scoreless 8th to earn his 5th victory.   Amalio Diaz closed out the 9th inning earning his 9th save of the season.

Starter John Brownell easily suffered his worst start of Summer.  In only 4 innings pitched, he faced 20 batters and exited after 81 pitches.  He allowed 6 runs (5 earned), on 6 hits and 2 walks, while fanning 3 batters.

In his 4 previous starts, John posted a 2-0 record with 2 no-decisions.  He fanned 28 batters in 29.2 innings pitched, but issued 9 walks (with his W/9 indeed on the rise).  John Brownell is now tied for second in the circuit with 20 starts, and leads with 135.1 innings pitched.

Lead-off batter Delta Cleary Jr. went 3 for 5 with an RBI; third baseman Sean Burroughs was 2 for 4 with an RBI; and Cody Puckett went 3 for 5 with a pair of RBI.

Liberty Division Standings:
1) Somerset        21-17   *
2) Bridgeport       21-17   *
3) Long Island     20-18   1
4) Camden          16-22   5

L.I. Ducks: Flock Rolls Another Nine

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Long Island Ducks: Early Struggles Against Bridgeport Bluefish Becoming a Distant Memory.  Flock Takes Lead in Ferry Cup Series.

Fishing for Ten: Ducks Post 2nd Nine Game Winning Streak of June

Long Island started the season just 1-6 against Bridgeport.  They were outscored 47-25 in those first 7 games.

A series split against the Patriots back in May certainly didn't hurt the Ducks' standing.  That's why one might argue that within their initial poor play against Bridgeport this season lies the reason Long Island is not in first place today.

With Sunday's 8-3 victory, the Ducks have since defeated the Fish six straight times, and now lead the season series 7-6 heading into Monday night's series finale.  The Ducks have additionally turned the tables, and outscored the Fish by a 71-68 margin in the season series.

Sunday's win was Long Island's 9th straight victory, which marks their second such streak this month, and gives them a near perfect 19-1 record in June.  They improved to 38-17 for the season.

Ironically, it was the Fish who handed the Ducks their only loss this month, which halted their 10 game winning streak on June 11th.

Ruffling Feathers:

The league's #1 offense erupted for 12 runs against the Fish Saturday, and for another 8 runs on Sunday.  They have outscored Bridgeport this series by a 26-11 margin.

Catcher Jose Morales and DH Randy Ruiz provided most of Saturday's lumber, combining on 2 doubles, a home run, and 7 RBI.  Jon Griffin drove in a pair on Saturday, and another on Sunday to raise his season total to 39 RBI.

Bryan Sabatella returned to the lead-off spot on Sunday, going 2 for 5 with a runs scored, while Reegie Corona went 3 for 4, with 2 RBI.

There's presently no Ducks player hotter than Dan Lyons.  In his last 6 games, the Ducks shortstop is 8 for 17 (.470), with 2 home runs and 8 RBI.  His average up to .312 which now rates him 4th in the league, and his 31 RBI rank him 3rd behind team mates Lew Ford and Jon Griffin.

In fact, the Atlantic League leader board is covered in Ducks feathers.  Lew Ford still leads the circuit in hitting, and as noted, Ford, Griffin and Lyons lead the league in RBI.  Delta Cleary Jr. now has enough at-bats to qualify for 3rd in the circuit with a .323 average.

On the mound, John Brownell tops the league in strikeouts and is second in wins, while Mickey Jannis leads the circuit in ERA.

4th of July Weekend Showdown: T-Minus 11 Games

Despite losing 3.5 games in the standings to the Ducks since June 1st, the Somerset Patriots continue to set the pace in the Liberty Division race.  They are 8-2 in their last 10 games.  With yet another victory over the Sugar Land Skeeters on Sunday, Somerset became the first Atlantic League team to reach 40 victories this season, and thus retained their diminishing 1.5 game advantage over Long Island.

After Monday night's series finale against Bridgeport, the Ducks will migrate westward to Sugar Land, Texas, where they'll engage the Skeeters in a crucial 6-game series.  After which, they'll return home to host the Lancaster Barnstormers.

The Somerset Patriots will close out their series with Sugar Land Monday night, then travel to Lancaster to play the Barnstormers beginning Tuesday.  They'll return home to host the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs then head down the turnpike to visit the Camden Riversharks.

On Friday, July 3rd, the Somerset Patriots and Long island Ducks will open a 3-game series at Bethpage Ballpark that seemingly will determine the season's first-half Liberty Division champ.




Mike

L.I. Ducks: The Flock's Waddle is Strong

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LIBERTY DIVISION STANDINGS:

1) Somerset        37-16

2) Long Island   35-17

Long Island Ducks: Flock swat Sugar Land Skeeters to gain their latest series sweep; improve record to 16-1 in June.

The Long Island Ducks remain the Atlantic League's hottest team.

With Thursday night's victory over the Sugar Land Skeeters, the Flock completed their third series sweep in their last four, extended their most recent winning streak to 6 games, and improved their record to 16-1 in June after opening the month with a 10-game winning streak.

On June 1st, the Ducks lay 5 games back of the Liberty Division leading Somerset Patriots.  By close of business Thursday, Long Island cut Somerset's lead to just 1.5 games.  There are just 18 games remaining in the season's first half, and the teams are just 15 games away from what could prove to be a decisive head-to-head showdown for the first half crown.

Despite the Ducks torrid month of June, the Somerset Patriots have remained no less relentless.  They are 7-3 in their last 10 games, and 13-5 in June.  They just split 4 games with the Bridgeport Bluefish, and still lead the circuit with a 37-16 record.

Long Island will now host the Bridgeport Bluefish, whom given the Ducks quite a bit of trouble this season.  The Bluefish lead the season series by a 6-4 margin.  The Ducks were swept in their first meeting, and the Bluefish took 2 of 3 games in their second encounter.  Last weekend, the Ducks rebounded after losing the series opener to sweep the final 3 games.  On Friday they open a 4 game series at Bethpage Ballpark.

The Patriots will open a weekend series against the Sugar Land Skeeters in Somerset.

Ducks win series over Skeeters 3-0

I - LID 4; SLS 1

II - LID 3; SLS 1

III - LID 2; SLS 0

Mickey Jannis toed the rubber Thursday night for Long Island, and was opposed by Sugar Land's Roy Merritt.  The two dueled for 7 innings.

Jannis faced 24 batters and threw 94 pitches, with 55 going for strikes.  He allowed no runs on just 3 hits, walked 3 and fanned 5 batters before exiting on the winning side of a 2-0 game.

Merritt faced 25 batters and threw 91 pitches with 62 going for strikes.  Ducks DH Randy Ruiz hit Merritt's only mistake of the evening over the left field wall to give the Ducks their 2-0 margin of victory.   Lew Ford, who previously singled, scored.  Merritt otherwise limited the Ducks to 5 hits, walked none, and fanned 3 batters.

Mickey Jannis improved his record to 5-2, lowered his league leading ERA to a 1.31 mark, and now boasts the league's lowest (.183) batting average against.  He is also 4th in the league behind his team mate John Brownell with 49 strikeouts in 68.1 innings pitched, and owns a .950 WHiP.

Randy Ruiz's double in the second game of Wednesday's double-header proved to be the game winning RBI, as did his 2-run clout on Thursday.

Delta Cleary Jr., has batted lead-off the last 2 games, while Bryan Sabatella nurses a leg injury incurred during the first game of Wednesday's double-header against the Skeeters.  He went 3 for 4 in Wednesday's first game while batting the second slot, but went 0 for 7 in 2 games batting lead-off and watched his average dip from .339 to a .319 mark.

Lew Ford, however, is tied for the league lead with a .340 average, and still leads the circuit with 44 RBI.  First baseman Jon Griffin remains right behind him with 36 RBI.

Dan Lyons went 3 for 7 with 3 RBI in 3 games against the Skeeters.  He is now 6th in the league with 26 RBI, and kept his average hovering at the .300 mark.

On the mound, pitcher Andrew Barbosa continues providing the Ducks with high quality starts.  He started in Wednesday's first game of a double-header, pitched 6 innings, allowed no runs on just 3 hits, walked 3 and fanned 7 batters en route to his 3rd victory of the season.  He is 3-0 since joining Long Island with a 1.96 ERA.  Moreover, the Ducks are 6-0 in games he pitched.

Closer Ryan Kussmaul earned a save in each Long Island's 3 victories over Sugar Land, which included a pair during Wednesday's double-header.  He has a 2-0 record with a 2.03 ERA, and a league leading 16 saves.  He has struck out 23 batters in 26.2 innings pitched.

The Ducks offense have scored the most runs in the Atlantic League to date.  They also own the league's best team slash with a .279/.349/. 384 mark, and have stolen the most bases.

On the mound, Somerset and Long Island are running first and second in team ERA, batting average against, slugging against, and team WHiP.  However, Patriots pitchers have tossed 5 complete games, while the Ducks have tossed none.



Mike

L.I. Ducks: Keeping Pace With Somerset Proving Difficult

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Series tied 1-1

I - YRK 4; LID 3; 15 inn

II - LID 4; YRK 3; 11 inn

TUESDAY

York Revolution

vs.

Long Island Ducks

FROM

Suffolk County Grounds

Long Island Ducks: Jon Griffin Enters June Wielding a Lethal Bat.

Weather permitting, the Ducks host the Revolution for the rubber game of their series this evening.

In each of the first two games, extra innings were required to extract victory.

On Sunday, the Ducks followed up the previous day's victory over Somerset with a game they let slip away.  Ahead 3-1 after 4 innings of play, the Revs tied the game in the 6th off starter Ian Marshall.

The game remain deadlocked at three for the next 8 innings.  Then, leading off the top of the 15th inning, York center fielder Sean Smith promptly homered off Mark Rogers.  Long Island went down in order in the bottom of the frame to close out a crushing defeat.

On Monday, the Ducks found themselves on the winning side of an identical 4-3 final.

Once again, Long Island jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the 1st inning.  After a 1-out single by Delta Cleary Jr, followed a 1-out single with a steal of second, then scored on Cody Puckett's RBI single.  Jon Griffin followed with his 7th home run of the season, Puckett scored.

Starter John Brownell retired his first 6 batters, and kept York scoreless through his first 4 innings.   In the 5th, the Revolution scored a pair on 3 hits and a walk.  In the 6th, an E-3 by Jon Griffin paved the way for another York (unearned) run, and a tie game.

For a second straight game, York and Long Island went into extra innings.

After 7 innings pitched, John Brownell exited to a no decision.  He faced 31 batters, and threw 125 pitches with 73 going for strikes.  He allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks, with 7 strikeouts.  He leads the circuit with 47 strikeouts.

Blake Davis played shortstop on this night, and led-off the home 11th with a hit.  Mike Blanke sacrificed him 90' to second.  Prentice Redman's base hit then plated Davis for the winning run.

The bullpen combined on 4 innings, no hits, and 6 strikeouts.  Nick Struck earned the win in relief.

Center fielder Delta Cleary Jr. went 4 for 4 with a double, lifting his average to a .333 mark.  Since his arrival, he is 18 for 54 with 6 doubles and 6 stolen bases.

Wielding a Lethal Bat: Jon Griffin

In April, the Ducks opened the season against York, then played a 4-game series against Southern Maryland.  During those 7 games, Jon Griffin went 4 for 24 (.167), with a home run, 6 RBI, and struck out (9) 37% of the time.

On May 13th, Griffin finally broke through the Mendoza Line.  In his 17 games since, Jon has gone 23 for 67 (.343), with 5 home runs and 16 RBI, and cut his strikeouts to (19) 28% of the time.

In his last 3 games, he's 4 for 11 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI.  In 35 total games played and 134 at-bats, Jon Griffin is now slashing .269/.347/.463, with 5 doubles, 7 home runs and 25 RBI.

Patriots Keep Setting the Pace:

Somerset still leads the league with a 26-11 record.  Since their meeting against the Ducks, they have gone 3-0, which includes an early game and a rain cancellation on Tuesday.

With Monday's victory, the Ducks are now one of three teams to reach 20 victories, however, they enter this evening's game trailing the Patriots by 5.5 games.

After Tuesday, the Ducks will have 32 games games left remaining to close the gap with Somerset.

Yeah, about that division realignment...,

Welcome to year two.



Mike

Long Island Ducks Look to Close Out Camden Before Showdown Against Patriots

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Last tune up before showdown against Somerset Patriots.

Long Island Ducks: Calm Before The Storm - Flock Needs a Good Game in Series Finale Against Camden to Set Tone for Showdown Versus Somerset Patriots.

Game One: John Brownell Dominates Riversharks in Series Opener

Sunday

Camden Riversharks

vs.

Long Island Ducks

FROM

The Pond

The Ducks and visiting Camden Riversharks split a double-header Saturday, thus ending Long Island's 6-game winning streak.

In the opening game, Coach Baez tabbed Sergio Perez for another short start.  He tossed 2 innings, allowed no runs and no hits, walked 3 and fanned two before giving way to Bruce Kern.

Kern in turn, threw 3 innings, allowed no runs on just one hit, walked one and fanned 3 to earn the victory.

Camden's lone run came in the 6th inning off reliever Patrick Crider.

Delta Cleary Jr. was one man show in the 3rd inning as Long Island rallied for 3 runs off Riversharks starter Zachary Clark.  Cleary singled home Dan Lyons and Bryan Sabatella, then stole second base, and scored on Cody Puckett's RBI single.

After leading off the 4th with a base hit, Jose morales eventually scored the Ducks' 4th run on a wild pitch.  In the 5th, Cody Puckett drove in Delta Cleary Jr. for a second time to give the Ducks their final 5-1 margin of victory.

In the night cap, Camden roared back to post their 15th victory of the season, and snap Long Island's winning streak at 6 games.

Ian Marshall made 109 pitches in a conventional start for Long Island, but battled with control issues. He lasted 5 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits and an untenable 7 walks, while fanning 5 batters.  Eric Niesen entered the game in the 6th in relief of Marshall and surrendered another 3 earned runs, but the damage had already been done.

Long Island only managed a run in the 4th, and an unearned run in the 9th, in bowing 7-2 to the Riversharks.  Dan Lyons and Mike Blanke delivered the run scoring hits.

Lew Ford Tracker:
4th in batting - .351
3rd in OBP - .434
2nd in slugging - .577
1st in RBI - 31

The Ducks and Riversharks conclude their 4-game series this afternoon.  After which they'll get 2 days off, then head to Somerset for a 4-game showdown against the 1st place Patriots.

This will be the team's first meeting of the season.

Somerset remains the hottest team in the league.  They're the lone Atlantic League team left with single-digit losses.  They enter today's action with a 20-8 record, and are winners of 8 of their last 10 games.  The Ducks are 6-4 in their last 10 games, and enter this afternoon's game in 2nd place of the Liberty Division with a 16-13 record, 4.5 games back of 1st, and with the Bridgeport Bluefish also on hot on their tail feathers.




Mike