From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: York Revolution Use Long Ball to Remind Ducks they are a Long Way from Home.
The bullpen had gotten pretty taxed in Thursday night's game. So, Bob Zimmerman was forced to fight through getting smacked around to the tune of a five run deficit after just four innings on Friday. And for the Ducks' line-up, the zeroes kept mounting. They were up to nineteen innings since the last time they scored after all their efforts to get themselves into the Championship Series. Long Island hadn't scored a run since the third inning of Game One. And with one hit through the first four innings of Game Three, the Ducks upped their tally of hits to eleven in twenty two innings played to this point in the series.
But after Matt Padgett led off the fifth with a single, a Matt Esquivel home run finally plated the Ducks a pair of runs and seemingly changed the whole complexion of the ballgame. Suddenly, the Ducks found their stroke again. Javier Colina's RBI single, and John Rodriguez' two RBI double tied the game at five apiece.
The Ducks now had a new ballgame on their hands. And after getting taken off the losing side of the ledger, Bob Zimmermann responded in kind. In the bottom half of the fifth inning, he was finally able to retire the Revolution in order for the first time all game.
Game Three was now a four inning affair. The Ducks turned confidently to their bullpen, which has been a season long strength of theirs, to keep them in the game and buy the line-up more time to complete the comeback.
Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. Every pitcher out of the bullpen in Game Three surrendered runs. The first man out of the Ducks' pen was Jason Monti. He promptly surrendered a run to York in the sixth inning to put Long Island behind again. Then in the bottom of the seventh, Game Three started to slip away from Long Island. With Jeremy Hill on the mound, York added two more runs to increase their lead to 8-5.
The Ducks' awakening from their offensive slumber turned out to be just a fleeting disturbance in the night. Matt DeSalvo put Long Island's bats right back to sleep; returning their line-up into a stream of hitless at-bats and scoreboard zeroes. And so much for Long Island not facing Matt DeSalvo this series. In my last post I wrote he last pitched on Sept. 25th. On York's roster prior to the start of this series, his name was x'd out, as if deactivated. The Ducks could only wish now. DeSalvo was called upon in the sixth inning and became the single biggest deciding factor of this game.
In the sixth; seventh; and eighth innings; he faced the minimum number of batters, striking out four Long Islanders along the way to include the last batter he faced. That's what he does best.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Revolution picked up another run against Long Island's third reliever of the night; Tyler Walker; making it a 9-5 game and leaving the Ducks faced with their last three outs in the ninth.
Matt DeSalvo steadied York's revolution after the Ducks mounted a fierce comeback back in the fifth. And to Long Island's relief, he was replaced with R.J. Rodriguez for the ninth inning.
The Ducks got to work right away. Two errors by York's new pitcher led to a Ducks run and a 9-6 game. A chance to tie the game had presented itself yet again for what would be the second dramatic comeback of the game. Long Island had runners on first and third with one out and Ray Navarrete coming up.
Like most Ducks, Long Island's second baseman was 0 for 11 in the series. But this was a situation with Ray's name written all over it. The team needed a hero and what a great story it could be if the all-time Ducks' leader in most things, added to his Duck's story with a clutch hit at this moment.
Instead, it will continue to be written, Long Island's overall offensive woes rule this series.
Ray Navarrete struck out. And Javier Colina's grounder ended the game with a force out at second.
The final 9-6 score is one for the books. York wins. They now lead this best of five series two games to one. The visiting Long Island Nine face elimination with another loss. Nothing short of two straight road wins in Games Four and Five will secure a championship for the Long Island Ducks now.
The Ducks have been outscored 18-7 in three games. And after Mike Loree's shut-out in Game One, the York Revolution have blitzed Long Island pitching with five home runs in the series; three in Game Two; two more in Game Three. Meanwhile, Matt Esquivel's blast in Game Three represents the lone Ducks home run and first show of power of the series.
Mike.BTB
Showing posts with label Javier Colina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Javier Colina. Show all posts
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Atlantic League Championship Series Preview
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: The Atlantic League's Top Two Clubs About to Square Off as Both Organization Seek Their Second Championship Flag.
The 2011 Atlantic League Finals showdown pits this year's regular season champion; as Long Island finished with the League's best record; against last season's Atlantic League defending champion; the York Revolution.
The Ducks took care of the Wild Card Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in a decisive three games to one manner to capture the Liberty Division crown. York and the Lancaster Barnstormers were stretched to five games and still needed an extra inning to decide the Freedom Division champ.
The Clinchers:
Ducks Are First Half Liberty Division Champs
Ducks Win Second Half Title
Ducks are Liberty Division Champs
York Wins Freedom Division
Revs Clinch Pennant in Thrilling Series
*
Here's the Long Island Ducks vs. York Revolution head-to-head splits this season:
Ducks hold the advantage in overall record; 10-7. One game was rained out.
In the first half, the Ducks were 5-4 against York.
In the second half, they went 5-3 against York.
Playing in York, the Ducks played to a sub .500, 4-5 record.
Playing home in Long Island, the Ducks took care of their Pond well with a 6-2 record.
The York Revolution and the Long Island Ducks were clearly the year's two best teams. They were the only clubs to finish the season with more than seventy wins. The Ducks owned the best league mark with a 74-47 record. York Revolution finished with a 71-53 record.
*
Between Long Island and York, the Championship Series will feature the Atlantic League's top five hitters for batting average. Kraig Binick of the Ducks won the League's batting title with a .343 mark. Second in the circuit at .330 was York's Chris Nowak. Long Island Duck Matt Esquivel's .328 average placed third. York's Vince Harrison batted .327; and Ramon Castro's .323 ranked fifth in the League.
In power production, the Duck's top two home run hitters were Ray Navarrete and Javier Colina with 27 and 25 respectively. York Revolution's top bopper was Chris Nowak with 25 home runs.
The Atlantic League RBI leader board reads like a Long Island Ducks' line-up card. Four of the League's top six run producers play for the Ducks. Javier Colina (90); J.R. House (81); John Rodriguez (81); Ray Navarrete (79); all ranked third through sixth in the circuit. The League leader from Bridgeport topped everyone with 95 RBI. York's outfield veteran; Jose Herrera; led his team and ranked seventh in the League with 77 RBI.
This series also brings together the League's top two pitchers squaring off against each other. Long Island's Mike Loree topped the Atlantic League in this year's Triple Crown categories. He was first in wins with a 14-5 record. Loree was first in strikeouts with 131 and first with a 1.98 ERA. The runner up in all three categories was York Revolution pitcher; Corey Thurman. He ranked second in wins with a 13-3 record. He came in second to Loree in strikeouts with 111 of his own. But in ERA, his second ranked 3.33 mark was considerably higher than Mike Loree's number.
York's Matt DeSalvo will probably get matched up against Long Island's Josh Banks. While still expected to prove quite capable for Long Island, the book is still out on Josh Banks. Matt DeSalvo owns the third best strikeout total in the League. He pitched to a 6-3 record with a 3.89 ERA which ranked fourth this season.
And perhaps York's young hurler; Shaun Garceau; who also was among the League leaders in strikeouts with 102; gets matched up against Bob Zimmerman; Mark Diapoules; or Ruddy Lugo in a possible game three scenario.
Mike.BTB
2011
ATLANTIC LEAGUE
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
GAME ONE
Wednesday - September 28, 2011
Freedom Division Champions
YORK REVOLUTION
vs.
Liberty Division Champions
LONG ISLAND DUCKS
From
Bethpage Park
LONG ISLAND, NY
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: The Atlantic League's Top Two Clubs About to Square Off as Both Organization Seek Their Second Championship Flag.
The 2011 Atlantic League Finals showdown pits this year's regular season champion; as Long Island finished with the League's best record; against last season's Atlantic League defending champion; the York Revolution.
The Ducks took care of the Wild Card Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in a decisive three games to one manner to capture the Liberty Division crown. York and the Lancaster Barnstormers were stretched to five games and still needed an extra inning to decide the Freedom Division champ.
The Clinchers:
Ducks Are First Half Liberty Division Champs
Ducks Win Second Half Title
Ducks are Liberty Division Champs
York Wins Freedom Division
Revs Clinch Pennant in Thrilling Series
*
Here's the Long Island Ducks vs. York Revolution head-to-head splits this season:
Ducks hold the advantage in overall record; 10-7. One game was rained out.
In the first half, the Ducks were 5-4 against York.
In the second half, they went 5-3 against York.
Playing in York, the Ducks played to a sub .500, 4-5 record.
Playing home in Long Island, the Ducks took care of their Pond well with a 6-2 record.
The York Revolution and the Long Island Ducks were clearly the year's two best teams. They were the only clubs to finish the season with more than seventy wins. The Ducks owned the best league mark with a 74-47 record. York Revolution finished with a 71-53 record.
*
Between Long Island and York, the Championship Series will feature the Atlantic League's top five hitters for batting average. Kraig Binick of the Ducks won the League's batting title with a .343 mark. Second in the circuit at .330 was York's Chris Nowak. Long Island Duck Matt Esquivel's .328 average placed third. York's Vince Harrison batted .327; and Ramon Castro's .323 ranked fifth in the League.
In power production, the Duck's top two home run hitters were Ray Navarrete and Javier Colina with 27 and 25 respectively. York Revolution's top bopper was Chris Nowak with 25 home runs.
The Atlantic League RBI leader board reads like a Long Island Ducks' line-up card. Four of the League's top six run producers play for the Ducks. Javier Colina (90); J.R. House (81); John Rodriguez (81); Ray Navarrete (79); all ranked third through sixth in the circuit. The League leader from Bridgeport topped everyone with 95 RBI. York's outfield veteran; Jose Herrera; led his team and ranked seventh in the League with 77 RBI.
This series also brings together the League's top two pitchers squaring off against each other. Long Island's Mike Loree topped the Atlantic League in this year's Triple Crown categories. He was first in wins with a 14-5 record. Loree was first in strikeouts with 131 and first with a 1.98 ERA. The runner up in all three categories was York Revolution pitcher; Corey Thurman. He ranked second in wins with a 13-3 record. He came in second to Loree in strikeouts with 111 of his own. But in ERA, his second ranked 3.33 mark was considerably higher than Mike Loree's number.
York's Matt DeSalvo will probably get matched up against Long Island's Josh Banks. While still expected to prove quite capable for Long Island, the book is still out on Josh Banks. Matt DeSalvo owns the third best strikeout total in the League. He pitched to a 6-3 record with a 3.89 ERA which ranked fourth this season.
And perhaps York's young hurler; Shaun Garceau; who also was among the League leaders in strikeouts with 102; gets matched up against Bob Zimmerman; Mark Diapoules; or Ruddy Lugo in a possible game three scenario.
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Season Ends With Dual Division Titles
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: THE POND Celebrates End of a Great Regular Season. Reasons to be Proud Abound.
Mike Loree wins pitching Triple Crown.
Kraig Binnick wins Atlantic League Batting Title.
Ducks claim both half Division Titles.
Ducks end season with League's best record.
Long Island leads League in attendance.
Ducks Win Both Half Titles for First Time in Team's History.
After missing out on the playoffs last year, the Long Island Ducks spent all season sending one long continuous message to the League; - They would not be denied a second consecutive time. They made their case loud and clear by mounting a ferocious return to post-season play finishing the 2011 campaign thirty-one games above the .500 mark and amassing the League's best record.
The Long Island Ducks concluded their best regular season ever at 4:30 Sunday afternoon with one final win, and taking the regular season ending series against the surging Bridgeport Bluefish. And with that final win of the season, they clinched the Liberty Division's second-half title; just as they clinched the first-half title. It's the first time in their history they have won both pennants in the same season. Bridgeport came on strong this season; fulfilling their potential perhaps a little too late for the Division race. However they did pull to within one game of the Ducks and with a win Sunday and could have forced a one game playoff to decide the second half Liberty Division Title.
The Ducks not only cliched both halves of the Atlantic League season, they clinched the League's overall best record at 78-47; making it the first time they ever won the League's top mark. They were the first team to reach fifty wins; sixty wins; and seventy wins this season. Even though suffering through a late season malaise, they dominated the Atlantic League from practically from start to finish. Only a brief trading of first place with South Maryland in the first half, and a fleeting little taste of second place served up by Bridgeport in August, prevented Long Island from leading wire to wire
The Bethpage Park Demolition Crew short-circuited scoreboards all over the Atlantic League this season. In addition to their other regular season accomplishments, they also led the Atlantic League in runs scored.
The third; fourth; fifth; and sixth ranked League leaders in RBI were Long Island Ducks. Javier Colina led that list of Ducks and also held the team lead with 90 RBI. J.R. House and John Rodriguez finished with 81 RBI each. John Rodriguez missed games with injuries on three separate occasions this season, and recently missed a month as the schedule wound down. Somehow he held the RBI lead two different times this year and still managed to finish among the RBI leaders. Having him healthy and hitting fourth in the line-up come playoff time this Wednesday is imperative to the Ducks' potent attack. Upon his return Sunday for the season finale, he went 4 for 4 to demonstrate why he's so necessary to ensure an edge in team slugging come playoff time.
Then on the RBI list at number six is, Ducks' legend; Ray Navarrete; who finished with 79 RBI this season. Ray Navarrete also finished with 27 home runs, which ranked him second in the League and just one home run behind the League leader. Javier Colina placed third with 25 home runs.
Ray Navarrete; the long time crowd favorite; spent a season helping the Ducks dominate, but also padding a few career milestones and setting more records. Earlier this season, he became the Ducks All-Time runs scored leader and the franchise's All-Time career leader in hits. Ray Navarrete is also the franchise's All-Time leader in home runs and RBI as well. He holds Ducks' single season records for hits; RBI; games played; and doubles. Ray also holds Long Island's single game records for most home runs and RBI.
Leading all Atlantic League hitters in batting average this season was none other than Long Island Duck; Kraig Binnick. It was an achievement he seemed destined to accomplish since the season began. Before taking a ball to the face on a play at second base early this season, he maintained an average above the .400 level. After his return to action, he tailed off a bit; slipped out of the League lead; then rebounded to finish and win the season title with a .343 batting average. Matt Esquivel placed third with a .328 batting average.
With a ball in his hand, Mike Loree was the Atlantic League's undisputed King of the Hill this season. He dominated every pitching Triple Crown category; despite spending time in Atloona this season after being purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates system. But he's back for Long Island's playoff run. And that's probably the most welcome news of all. Before he left the team, the Ducks were winning games at a +70% clip. They slipped afterwards and finished the season with a .624 winning percentage.
During the season Mike Loree posted a 14-5 won/loss record; which led the League. And with 14 wins he is also now the new holder of the Ducks All-Time single season wins record. He led the League with 131 strikeouts; while walking only 28 batters over 123 innings pitched. And Mike Loree's minuscule 1.98 ERA was also the League's best mark by a wide margin. The League's next best ERA was a 3.33 mark.
By August, there were gaping holes in the starting rotation and the season was taking on water fast. There were matters to ponder like; were the contract purchases of Lenny DiNardo first; Mike Parisi; then Shane Youman; and ultimately Mike Loree; going to torpedo one of the best Ducks' seasons ever and stop the Ducks quest for a Championship cold in their webbed tracks?
Yes; admit it; you thought about it.
The very savvy; and timely acquisition of starting pitcher, Josh Banks, was desperately needed to get a stopper (a losing streak stopper) back in the rotation. And now with the return of Mike Loree, the Ducks starting rotation looks poised again to get through two rounds of playoffs. With the healthy return of Ehren Wassermann, their deep bullpen; which has been nothing short of outstanding this season; should round out a very effective pitching staff well prepared for the playoffs.
And lastly, the Ducks were the undisputed kings in attendance this season which included celebrating the 600th sellout of Bethpage Park and welcoming the Five-Millionth fan to walk through the gates over the last 12 seasons.
The Atlantic League decided the Bridgeport Bluefish and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs will play a one-game Wild Card Playoff on Tuesday; with the winner earning the right to play Long Island in the Liberty Division round.
Last year's Champion, the York Revolution and the Lancaster Barnstormers will square off in the Freedom Division's first round. Lancaster was the only other Atlantic League team to surpass 70 wins this season. Lancaster was the Freedom Division first half Champs. York won the back stretch.
The full slate of playoffs begin Wednesday evening.
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: THE POND Celebrates End of a Great Regular Season. Reasons to be Proud Abound.
Mike Loree wins pitching Triple Crown.
Kraig Binnick wins Atlantic League Batting Title.
Ducks claim both half Division Titles.
Ducks end season with League's best record.
Long Island leads League in attendance.
Ducks Win Both Half Titles for First Time in Team's History.
After missing out on the playoffs last year, the Long Island Ducks spent all season sending one long continuous message to the League; - They would not be denied a second consecutive time. They made their case loud and clear by mounting a ferocious return to post-season play finishing the 2011 campaign thirty-one games above the .500 mark and amassing the League's best record.
The Long Island Ducks concluded their best regular season ever at 4:30 Sunday afternoon with one final win, and taking the regular season ending series against the surging Bridgeport Bluefish. And with that final win of the season, they clinched the Liberty Division's second-half title; just as they clinched the first-half title. It's the first time in their history they have won both pennants in the same season. Bridgeport came on strong this season; fulfilling their potential perhaps a little too late for the Division race. However they did pull to within one game of the Ducks and with a win Sunday and could have forced a one game playoff to decide the second half Liberty Division Title.
The Ducks not only cliched both halves of the Atlantic League season, they clinched the League's overall best record at 78-47; making it the first time they ever won the League's top mark. They were the first team to reach fifty wins; sixty wins; and seventy wins this season. Even though suffering through a late season malaise, they dominated the Atlantic League from practically from start to finish. Only a brief trading of first place with South Maryland in the first half, and a fleeting little taste of second place served up by Bridgeport in August, prevented Long Island from leading wire to wire
The Bethpage Park Demolition Crew short-circuited scoreboards all over the Atlantic League this season. In addition to their other regular season accomplishments, they also led the Atlantic League in runs scored.
The third; fourth; fifth; and sixth ranked League leaders in RBI were Long Island Ducks. Javier Colina led that list of Ducks and also held the team lead with 90 RBI. J.R. House and John Rodriguez finished with 81 RBI each. John Rodriguez missed games with injuries on three separate occasions this season, and recently missed a month as the schedule wound down. Somehow he held the RBI lead two different times this year and still managed to finish among the RBI leaders. Having him healthy and hitting fourth in the line-up come playoff time this Wednesday is imperative to the Ducks' potent attack. Upon his return Sunday for the season finale, he went 4 for 4 to demonstrate why he's so necessary to ensure an edge in team slugging come playoff time.
Then on the RBI list at number six is, Ducks' legend; Ray Navarrete; who finished with 79 RBI this season. Ray Navarrete also finished with 27 home runs, which ranked him second in the League and just one home run behind the League leader. Javier Colina placed third with 25 home runs.
Ray Navarrete; the long time crowd favorite; spent a season helping the Ducks dominate, but also padding a few career milestones and setting more records. Earlier this season, he became the Ducks All-Time runs scored leader and the franchise's All-Time career leader in hits. Ray Navarrete is also the franchise's All-Time leader in home runs and RBI as well. He holds Ducks' single season records for hits; RBI; games played; and doubles. Ray also holds Long Island's single game records for most home runs and RBI.
Leading all Atlantic League hitters in batting average this season was none other than Long Island Duck; Kraig Binnick. It was an achievement he seemed destined to accomplish since the season began. Before taking a ball to the face on a play at second base early this season, he maintained an average above the .400 level. After his return to action, he tailed off a bit; slipped out of the League lead; then rebounded to finish and win the season title with a .343 batting average. Matt Esquivel placed third with a .328 batting average.
With a ball in his hand, Mike Loree was the Atlantic League's undisputed King of the Hill this season. He dominated every pitching Triple Crown category; despite spending time in Atloona this season after being purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates system. But he's back for Long Island's playoff run. And that's probably the most welcome news of all. Before he left the team, the Ducks were winning games at a +70% clip. They slipped afterwards and finished the season with a .624 winning percentage.
During the season Mike Loree posted a 14-5 won/loss record; which led the League. And with 14 wins he is also now the new holder of the Ducks All-Time single season wins record. He led the League with 131 strikeouts; while walking only 28 batters over 123 innings pitched. And Mike Loree's minuscule 1.98 ERA was also the League's best mark by a wide margin. The League's next best ERA was a 3.33 mark.
By August, there were gaping holes in the starting rotation and the season was taking on water fast. There were matters to ponder like; were the contract purchases of Lenny DiNardo first; Mike Parisi; then Shane Youman; and ultimately Mike Loree; going to torpedo one of the best Ducks' seasons ever and stop the Ducks quest for a Championship cold in their webbed tracks?
Yes; admit it; you thought about it.
The very savvy; and timely acquisition of starting pitcher, Josh Banks, was desperately needed to get a stopper (a losing streak stopper) back in the rotation. And now with the return of Mike Loree, the Ducks starting rotation looks poised again to get through two rounds of playoffs. With the healthy return of Ehren Wassermann, their deep bullpen; which has been nothing short of outstanding this season; should round out a very effective pitching staff well prepared for the playoffs.
And lastly, the Ducks were the undisputed kings in attendance this season which included celebrating the 600th sellout of Bethpage Park and welcoming the Five-Millionth fan to walk through the gates over the last 12 seasons.
The Atlantic League decided the Bridgeport Bluefish and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs will play a one-game Wild Card Playoff on Tuesday; with the winner earning the right to play Long Island in the Liberty Division round.
Last year's Champion, the York Revolution and the Lancaster Barnstormers will square off in the Freedom Division's first round. Lancaster was the only other Atlantic League team to surpass 70 wins this season. Lancaster was the Freedom Division first half Champs. York won the back stretch.
The full slate of playoffs begin Wednesday evening.
Articles; Winning Pics; and Vids
TONIGHT
ATLANTIC LEAGUE ~ WILD CARD PLAYOFF GAME
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
vs.
Bridgeport Bluefish
From
The Ballpark at Harbor Yard
Bridgeport, Conn.
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Win
Wild Card
Wild Card
FINAL
Blue Crabs 9
Bluefish 4
Mike.BTB
Saturday, August 06, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ This Series Is Possible Glimpse Into Future
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: In A Possible Playoff Preview,
Lancaster Comes Barnstorming Into Bethpage Park.
The League's One and Two teams over all this season; the two first-half champions of their respective divisions; will play three in Bethpage Park this weekend. They square-off in a possible playoff preview as the Atlantic League enters it's last month of the regular season.
After a fast second-half start by the Camden River Sharks, Long Island has recaptured first place in the Liberty Division and now lead a surging Bridgeport team by 1.5 games and Camden by two. Lancaster; the first-half Freedom Division Champ; trail the second-half first place team York Revolution by only one-half game.
Mike Loree is the scheduled starter for Long Island tonight. He enters the game looking to continue a dominant season while seeking his 14th win. So far, he leads the Atlantic League with 13 wins this season against only two losses, to go along with his League best 1.91 ERA.
Lancaster Big Man; Slugger; Tommy Everidge, leads the Atlantic League in home runs with 21. Then the Ducks round out a list of the top six home run hitters in the League with three players; Ray Navarrete (17); J.R. House (16); and Javier Colina (15).
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: In A Possible Playoff Preview,
Lancaster Comes Barnstorming Into Bethpage Park.
The League's One and Two teams over all this season; the two first-half champions of their respective divisions; will play three in Bethpage Park this weekend. They square-off in a possible playoff preview as the Atlantic League enters it's last month of the regular season.
After a fast second-half start by the Camden River Sharks, Long Island has recaptured first place in the Liberty Division and now lead a surging Bridgeport team by 1.5 games and Camden by two. Lancaster; the first-half Freedom Division Champ; trail the second-half first place team York Revolution by only one-half game.
Mike Loree is the scheduled starter for Long Island tonight. He enters the game looking to continue a dominant season while seeking his 14th win. So far, he leads the Atlantic League with 13 wins this season against only two losses, to go along with his League best 1.91 ERA.
Lancaster Big Man; Slugger; Tommy Everidge, leads the Atlantic League in home runs with 21. Then the Ducks round out a list of the top six home run hitters in the League with three players; Ray Navarrete (17); J.R. House (16); and Javier Colina (15).
TONIGHT
Lancaster Barnstormers (49-36)
vs.
LONG ISLAND DUCKS (56-28)
From
Bethpage Park, L.I.
Mike.BTB
L.I. DUCKS ~ Dancing to (J.R.) House Music
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Sweep Somerset; Win Seventh in a Row. Duck Sluggers Lead League in RBI. Staff Ace Goes Tomorrow Against Lancaster.
Clearly the Somerset Patriots have had their share of struggles this season and it's starting to wear on them a bit. But that should in no way take away from the fact the Long Island Ducks, with their seventh win in a row, are starting to impose their will on the League now.
Friday's drubbing of Somerset completes a three game sweep of the five-time A.L. Champs. They increased their first place lead over Camden; who were in second place before Friday's games; in the second-half standings to two games as the River Sharks lost to Southern Maryland in the home ninth inning. But now Bridgeport has snuck in at 1.5 games behind the Ducks.
Friday night's win also improves Long Island's over-all record to a League best 55-28; and remain as the only team to breech the fifty-win mark.
As part of a seventeen hit barrage, J.R. House set a Long Island record with his fourth Grand Slam of the season. He and John Rodriguez combined to drive in nine of the Ducks' eleven runs against Somerset Friday.
The Ducks got busy right away against Somerset starter, Jim Magrane, who was making his second start for the Patriots this season. With two outs in the first inning, Javier Colina singled and John Rodriguez drove him home with a two-run blast for an early 2-0 Duck lead.
In the third inning, the Ducks added two more. With the bases loaded, Lew Ford singled to score Ray Navarrete from third. Then, Javier Colina scored on a sac-fly by J.R. House.
In the fourth inning, Long Island went boom on the Patriots. With the bases jammed, John Rodriguez drove in two runs with a single. Then Lew Ford walked to load the bases again. That's when J.R. House stepped up and pounded out his fourth Grand Slam of the season. It was his 16th home run of the season and fifth RBI of the night. Dan Lyons singled home Matt Padgett to cap off the inning and gave the Ducks an 11-0 lead.
Veteran pitcher, Shane Youman, was marvelous...again, in his latest effort against Jeff Nettles; Josh Pressley; and the rest of a very good Somerset Patriots' line-up. Over his six innings pitched Friday night, he allowed only three hits and no runs. He walked two batters and struck out six. Shane improved his record to a stellar 7-1 mark, while sporting a microscopic 0.66 ERA in 54.1 innings pitched this season.
Chris McCoy pitched three superb innings in relief of Shane Youman to complete the shut-out for Long Island and the three game sweep of the Patriots.
The Ducks are headed back to Long Island to start a series against the Lancaster Barnstormers on Saturday. Mike Loree is the next scheduled starter for the Ducks.
In a reversal from earlier in the season, Kraig Binick is clearly hitting better batting lower in the line-up as opposed to leading off. Before suffering an injury early in the season, he led-off and flourished with an above .400 average. Upon his return, he regained his stroke batting lower in the line-up. When moved up to the lead-off slot again, his hitting slipped. Coach Baez dropped him again and it seems to be where Binick is doing his best work. Kraig is currently batting .351, which is second in the League. In Friday's game, he went 2 for 5 batting in the eighth slot.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Sweep Somerset; Win Seventh in a Row. Duck Sluggers Lead League in RBI. Staff Ace Goes Tomorrow Against Lancaster.
Clearly the Somerset Patriots have had their share of struggles this season and it's starting to wear on them a bit. But that should in no way take away from the fact the Long Island Ducks, with their seventh win in a row, are starting to impose their will on the League now.
Friday's drubbing of Somerset completes a three game sweep of the five-time A.L. Champs. They increased their first place lead over Camden; who were in second place before Friday's games; in the second-half standings to two games as the River Sharks lost to Southern Maryland in the home ninth inning. But now Bridgeport has snuck in at 1.5 games behind the Ducks.
Friday night's win also improves Long Island's over-all record to a League best 55-28; and remain as the only team to breech the fifty-win mark.
As part of a seventeen hit barrage, J.R. House set a Long Island record with his fourth Grand Slam of the season. He and John Rodriguez combined to drive in nine of the Ducks' eleven runs against Somerset Friday.
The Ducks got busy right away against Somerset starter, Jim Magrane, who was making his second start for the Patriots this season. With two outs in the first inning, Javier Colina singled and John Rodriguez drove him home with a two-run blast for an early 2-0 Duck lead.
In the third inning, the Ducks added two more. With the bases loaded, Lew Ford singled to score Ray Navarrete from third. Then, Javier Colina scored on a sac-fly by J.R. House.
In the fourth inning, Long Island went boom on the Patriots. With the bases jammed, John Rodriguez drove in two runs with a single. Then Lew Ford walked to load the bases again. That's when J.R. House stepped up and pounded out his fourth Grand Slam of the season. It was his 16th home run of the season and fifth RBI of the night. Dan Lyons singled home Matt Padgett to cap off the inning and gave the Ducks an 11-0 lead.
Veteran pitcher, Shane Youman, was marvelous...again, in his latest effort against Jeff Nettles; Josh Pressley; and the rest of a very good Somerset Patriots' line-up. Over his six innings pitched Friday night, he allowed only three hits and no runs. He walked two batters and struck out six. Shane improved his record to a stellar 7-1 mark, while sporting a microscopic 0.66 ERA in 54.1 innings pitched this season.
Chris McCoy pitched three superb innings in relief of Shane Youman to complete the shut-out for Long Island and the three game sweep of the Patriots.
The Ducks are headed back to Long Island to start a series against the Lancaster Barnstormers on Saturday. Mike Loree is the next scheduled starter for the Ducks.
* * * *
In a reversal from earlier in the season, Kraig Binick is clearly hitting better batting lower in the line-up as opposed to leading off. Before suffering an injury early in the season, he led-off and flourished with an above .400 average. Upon his return, he regained his stroke batting lower in the line-up. When moved up to the lead-off slot again, his hitting slipped. Coach Baez dropped him again and it seems to be where Binick is doing his best work. Kraig is currently batting .351, which is second in the League. In Friday's game, he went 2 for 5 batting in the eighth slot.
* * * *
Tonight's game featured what is now, five of the top seven RBI leaders in the League. Somerset's Jeff Nettles lost his spot as the top dog. After Friday night, he was over-taken by the new League leaders in RBI. J.R. House, with his five RBI night, now has 65 on the season. John Rodriguez; even though he missed a little time with injury this season; now climbs into second place with 64 RBI. Jeff Nettled dropped down to third with 62 RBI. Javier Colina ranks fourth in the circuit with 59 RBI. And Patriots' Josh Pressley ranks sixth with 57 RBI.Mike.BTB
Sunday, July 10, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Enter Break as League's Top Team
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: ....and that makes Forty Wins for the 1st Half Champs as the League heads into the All*Star Break.
NOTE: This Posting Is In Between Games of a Double-Header vs. Somerset Patriots.
Except for one game scheduled to be played tomorrow, the Atlantic League has hit it's mid-point of the season. And while already having clinched a first half title, Sunday's win against the Somerset Patriots was the Long Island Ducks' 40th of the season.
Winners of their last three games, they wrap up the first half with an Atlantic League best 40-22 record and are the only team playing above a .600 winning percentage (.645); three games better than the Freedom Division winner; Lancaster Barnstormers.
As they enter the All*Star break, J.R. House is the new League leader in RBI with 47; while he and Ray Navarrete have crept-up on the League leader in home runs with 11 each.
Matt DeSalvo of York is the new League leader in strikeouts, but Long Island's Mike Loree still dominates the Atlantic League mound. He's leading the League in wins with 10 and is the only pitcher with an ERA below 2.00, claiming a 1.71 mark.
The York Revolution and the Ducks will have the most players representing their teams in the Atlantic League All*Star Game. They have seven selections each. Two teams comprised of twenty-two Freedom Division and Liberty Division players square off in the Atlantic League's Mid-Season exhibition.
From the Ducks, pitchers Mike Loree and Mike Parisi will be making well deserved trips to the Game. John Rodriguez was selected but has been hampered with a thumb injury and is unlikely to play in Wednesday night's game. The rest of the positional players selected to go to the All-Star Game are Matt Esquivel; Javier Colina; Kraig Binick (second in the League in Batting Avg.); and J.R House.
The season will resume Friday when the reset button starts the divisional races a-new for the second half. But then, the Ducks don't have to worry about that...., do they?
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: ....and that makes Forty Wins for the 1st Half Champs as the League heads into the All*Star Break.
NOTE: This Posting Is In Between Games of a Double-Header vs. Somerset Patriots.
Except for one game scheduled to be played tomorrow, the Atlantic League has hit it's mid-point of the season. And while already having clinched a first half title, Sunday's win against the Somerset Patriots was the Long Island Ducks' 40th of the season.
Winners of their last three games, they wrap up the first half with an Atlantic League best 40-22 record and are the only team playing above a .600 winning percentage (.645); three games better than the Freedom Division winner; Lancaster Barnstormers.
As they enter the All*Star break, J.R. House is the new League leader in RBI with 47; while he and Ray Navarrete have crept-up on the League leader in home runs with 11 each.
Matt DeSalvo of York is the new League leader in strikeouts, but Long Island's Mike Loree still dominates the Atlantic League mound. He's leading the League in wins with 10 and is the only pitcher with an ERA below 2.00, claiming a 1.71 mark.
The York Revolution and the Ducks will have the most players representing their teams in the Atlantic League All*Star Game. They have seven selections each. Two teams comprised of twenty-two Freedom Division and Liberty Division players square off in the Atlantic League's Mid-Season exhibition.
From the Ducks, pitchers Mike Loree and Mike Parisi will be making well deserved trips to the Game. John Rodriguez was selected but has been hampered with a thumb injury and is unlikely to play in Wednesday night's game. The rest of the positional players selected to go to the All-Star Game are Matt Esquivel; Javier Colina; Kraig Binick (second in the League in Batting Avg.); and J.R House.
The season will resume Friday when the reset button starts the divisional races a-new for the second half. But then, the Ducks don't have to worry about that...., do they?
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Popping Corks in York
From the desk of: A QUACK FROM BROOKLYN
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: CLINCH 1st HALF TITLE!
The Ducks' victory over the York Revolution Monday, coupled with South Maryland's loss to Bridgeport means Long Island has clinched first place in the first half Liberty Division race. In League leading fashion, they assured themselves a spot in this year's post-season while also putting to rest last year's disappointment of not making the playoffs after an Atlantic League record six consecutive appearances from 2004 through 2009.
A pop-up just beyond second base was the last out the game and an inning Bubbie Buzachero couldn't help but put his stamp on. But when the popped-up ball landed softly in SS-Dan Lyon's glove, any anxiety of closing the game was now energy devoted toward celebration. All the jubilant Ducks assembled on York's infield grass between second and third base where they exchanged congratulatory five fives; low fives; hugs; and hand shakes.
But this win did not come with out a price. Starting pitcher Mike Lorre; having a dominant season; was pitching another strong game before he was pulled in the seventh inning with an undetermined injury. I later heard during the York broadcast he left due to a groin strain and should be fine. Hmmm; you know how that goes.
Mike Loree allowed a lead-off home run in the seventh inning. Two pitches later, he must have felt something and Coach Baez wasn't about to take any chances with his ace. He called upon his bullpen to finish the game for Long Island. In Mike Loree's six innings and two batters of work, he allowed the lone home run and a total of only two hits. Mike walked one batter and struck out six. The Ducks' clincher was Loree's League leading tenth victory of the season. He remains as the only Atlantic League pitcher with an ERA below 2.00, as he sports a 1.71 mark.
The Ducks clinched the division's first half race with a 37-21 record. They beat out the South Maryland Blue Crabs by five games as of Monday. Their 37 wins are tops in the League. The Freedom Division's top two teams; Lancaster Barnstormers and York Revolution; have 33 victories each; good for second overall in the Atlantic League thus far. This week (Friday) marks the end of the first half of the Atlantic League season.
Early season highlights include:
Kraig Binick batted over .400 for a substantial stretch beginning with the start of the season till right before suffering facial injuries that he's since recovered from. His batting average is still at a lofty .366 this season which ranks him second in the League.
As part of overall solid seasons, Matt Esquivel and Javier Colina presently round out the .300 hitters for Long Island. Matt is batting .314 and Colina is sporting a .311 average on the season. Matt Esquivel has seven home runs and twenty-eight RBI to go along with his .300 average.
John Rodriguez has been beset by a some nagging injuries. He missed a couple games at first with a sore thumb. He now seems to be battling a barking shoulder and has missed quite a few games lately. Before being side-tracked with ailments, he was leading the Atlantic League with 42 RBI. There's a new League leader (46) now, but John is still ranked fourth in the League despite missing time. JR House is third in the League with 43 and teammate Javier Colina has 41 to place three Ducks among the top seven RBI leaders.
Javier Colina and JR House are also creeping up on the League leaders in home runs. The Atlantic League leader has twelve. Colina is right behind with eleven and House has ten of his own.
The Ducks 359 runs scored lead the League.
On the mound, as mentioned, Mike Loree is quite the story this season. Mike was named Pitcher of the Month for June. He's the League Leader in wins and ERA and is also one strikeout short of being tied for the League lead in that category. As great a season he's having, somewhere in the back of Duck Fan's minds, the thought that maybe it's only just a matter of time before an MLB team steps in to purchase his contract has to be creeping into one's thinking. No?
While that would be very unfortunate in the Ducks' scheme of things, it's not today's reality. But in that event, the Ducks' pitching is still quite capable. Mike Parisi has been a fine Number Two guy in the rotation. He got roughed up a bit in his last outing. But has been nothing short of solid this season.
He's a League leader in strikeouts, and as I hinted, his ERA was inflated a bit due to his last outing.
After Loree and Parisi, it's fair to say the Ducks are lacking depth in the starting rotation. Shane Youman may still yet emerge and be effective in the second half. Joselo Diaz has had his problems on the hill this season.
But that's where the bullpen has come in so well this season. Guys like Jason Monti and Bob Zimmermann keep the opposition honest. But Coach Baez relies on Jeremy Hill; Ehren Wassermann for the stickiest situations. The Tennessee Thrilla' - Bubbie Buzachero closes things out for Long Island but not without stomach-churning excitement. He must be doing something right though, as he has a League leading 11 saves.
The Ducks continue their series tonight against the York Revolution, who are trying to overtake the Lancaster Barnstormers for first place in the Freedom Division before Friday. York is only 1/2 game behind Lancaster.
Check out the Long Island Ducks celebration picture in the locker room: LIDucks.com
Check out The Ducks Division Champs banner here: AtlanticLeague.com
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: CLINCH 1st HALF TITLE!
The Ducks' victory over the York Revolution Monday, coupled with South Maryland's loss to Bridgeport means Long Island has clinched first place in the first half Liberty Division race. In League leading fashion, they assured themselves a spot in this year's post-season while also putting to rest last year's disappointment of not making the playoffs after an Atlantic League record six consecutive appearances from 2004 through 2009.
A pop-up just beyond second base was the last out the game and an inning Bubbie Buzachero couldn't help but put his stamp on. But when the popped-up ball landed softly in SS-Dan Lyon's glove, any anxiety of closing the game was now energy devoted toward celebration. All the jubilant Ducks assembled on York's infield grass between second and third base where they exchanged congratulatory five fives; low fives; hugs; and hand shakes.
But this win did not come with out a price. Starting pitcher Mike Lorre; having a dominant season; was pitching another strong game before he was pulled in the seventh inning with an undetermined injury. I later heard during the York broadcast he left due to a groin strain and should be fine. Hmmm; you know how that goes.
Mike Loree allowed a lead-off home run in the seventh inning. Two pitches later, he must have felt something and Coach Baez wasn't about to take any chances with his ace. He called upon his bullpen to finish the game for Long Island. In Mike Loree's six innings and two batters of work, he allowed the lone home run and a total of only two hits. Mike walked one batter and struck out six. The Ducks' clincher was Loree's League leading tenth victory of the season. He remains as the only Atlantic League pitcher with an ERA below 2.00, as he sports a 1.71 mark.
The Ducks clinched the division's first half race with a 37-21 record. They beat out the South Maryland Blue Crabs by five games as of Monday. Their 37 wins are tops in the League. The Freedom Division's top two teams; Lancaster Barnstormers and York Revolution; have 33 victories each; good for second overall in the Atlantic League thus far. This week (Friday) marks the end of the first half of the Atlantic League season.
Early season highlights include:
Kraig Binick batted over .400 for a substantial stretch beginning with the start of the season till right before suffering facial injuries that he's since recovered from. His batting average is still at a lofty .366 this season which ranks him second in the League.
As part of overall solid seasons, Matt Esquivel and Javier Colina presently round out the .300 hitters for Long Island. Matt is batting .314 and Colina is sporting a .311 average on the season. Matt Esquivel has seven home runs and twenty-eight RBI to go along with his .300 average.
John Rodriguez has been beset by a some nagging injuries. He missed a couple games at first with a sore thumb. He now seems to be battling a barking shoulder and has missed quite a few games lately. Before being side-tracked with ailments, he was leading the Atlantic League with 42 RBI. There's a new League leader (46) now, but John is still ranked fourth in the League despite missing time. JR House is third in the League with 43 and teammate Javier Colina has 41 to place three Ducks among the top seven RBI leaders.
Javier Colina and JR House are also creeping up on the League leaders in home runs. The Atlantic League leader has twelve. Colina is right behind with eleven and House has ten of his own.
The Ducks 359 runs scored lead the League.
On the mound, as mentioned, Mike Loree is quite the story this season. Mike was named Pitcher of the Month for June. He's the League Leader in wins and ERA and is also one strikeout short of being tied for the League lead in that category. As great a season he's having, somewhere in the back of Duck Fan's minds, the thought that maybe it's only just a matter of time before an MLB team steps in to purchase his contract has to be creeping into one's thinking. No?
While that would be very unfortunate in the Ducks' scheme of things, it's not today's reality. But in that event, the Ducks' pitching is still quite capable. Mike Parisi has been a fine Number Two guy in the rotation. He got roughed up a bit in his last outing. But has been nothing short of solid this season.
He's a League leader in strikeouts, and as I hinted, his ERA was inflated a bit due to his last outing.
After Loree and Parisi, it's fair to say the Ducks are lacking depth in the starting rotation. Shane Youman may still yet emerge and be effective in the second half. Joselo Diaz has had his problems on the hill this season.
But that's where the bullpen has come in so well this season. Guys like Jason Monti and Bob Zimmermann keep the opposition honest. But Coach Baez relies on Jeremy Hill; Ehren Wassermann for the stickiest situations. The Tennessee Thrilla' - Bubbie Buzachero closes things out for Long Island but not without stomach-churning excitement. He must be doing something right though, as he has a League leading 11 saves.
The Ducks continue their series tonight against the York Revolution, who are trying to overtake the Lancaster Barnstormers for first place in the Freedom Division before Friday. York is only 1/2 game behind Lancaster.
Check out the Long Island Ducks celebration picture in the locker room: LIDucks.com
Check out The Ducks Division Champs banner here: AtlanticLeague.com
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Waddling Towards A Playoff Spot
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Magic Number Down To Five.
Playing their best ball of the season, The York Revolution were the hottest team in the Atlantic League at the time they showed up in Long Island for a three game series. The Revolution have been giving the Lancaster Barnstormers a run for their money in the Liberty Division. They were winners of nine out of their last ten games. But all that changed when they stepped foot in The Pond Tuesday.
As they continue their own romp through the League tonight and winning the first two games of this series, fads like York matter not to the Ducks. Not when they are now the hottest team in the Atlantic League; not to mention the League's best. And speaking of the best; Mike Loree tossed another gem, as the Ducks elevated their League best record to 36-18, as they march towards a first half Liberty Division title.
It's OK to start talking Magic Numbers now. The Ducks hold a five game edge over South Maryland with ten games to go before the first half standings get written in ink.
And the Magic Number is? Five.
Ducks' starting pitcher; Mike Loree; improved all his League leading numbers. He is now 9-1 this season and has won his last seven straight decisions. In his longest outing of the season, he pitched 8 full innings against York and allowed no runs; only five hits; no walks; and struck out four. He threw 101 pitches and 69 of them went for strikes. His 1.73 ERA is magically disappearing before our eyes.
Ehren Wassermann added another fine inning of relief to finish out Mike Loree's night. He pitched the ninth; gave up a hit and struck out one in a non-save situation.
While Mike Loree was cruising along, the Ducks gave him three runs in the third inning to work with. Kennard Jones singled to lead off the inning and Javier Colina doubled him over to third. With Matt Esquivel up, a dropped strike three by the catcher resulted in Kennard scoring and Esquivel reaching first base. Javier Colina scored when Matt Padgett grounded into a fielder's choice. J.R. House doubled home Matt Padgett for a 3-0 lead.
In the eighth inning, Kraig Binick drove home Matt Esquivel with an RBI single. Then Kennard Jones cleared the bases with a three RBI double to left for a 7-0 Long Island lead.
***John Rodriguez missed another game, perhaps due to a lingering thumb issue.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Magic Number Down To Five.
Playing their best ball of the season, The York Revolution were the hottest team in the Atlantic League at the time they showed up in Long Island for a three game series. The Revolution have been giving the Lancaster Barnstormers a run for their money in the Liberty Division. They were winners of nine out of their last ten games. But all that changed when they stepped foot in The Pond Tuesday.
As they continue their own romp through the League tonight and winning the first two games of this series, fads like York matter not to the Ducks. Not when they are now the hottest team in the Atlantic League; not to mention the League's best. And speaking of the best; Mike Loree tossed another gem, as the Ducks elevated their League best record to 36-18, as they march towards a first half Liberty Division title.
It's OK to start talking Magic Numbers now. The Ducks hold a five game edge over South Maryland with ten games to go before the first half standings get written in ink.
And the Magic Number is? Five.
Ducks' starting pitcher; Mike Loree; improved all his League leading numbers. He is now 9-1 this season and has won his last seven straight decisions. In his longest outing of the season, he pitched 8 full innings against York and allowed no runs; only five hits; no walks; and struck out four. He threw 101 pitches and 69 of them went for strikes. His 1.73 ERA is magically disappearing before our eyes.
Ehren Wassermann added another fine inning of relief to finish out Mike Loree's night. He pitched the ninth; gave up a hit and struck out one in a non-save situation.
While Mike Loree was cruising along, the Ducks gave him three runs in the third inning to work with. Kennard Jones singled to lead off the inning and Javier Colina doubled him over to third. With Matt Esquivel up, a dropped strike three by the catcher resulted in Kennard scoring and Esquivel reaching first base. Javier Colina scored when Matt Padgett grounded into a fielder's choice. J.R. House doubled home Matt Padgett for a 3-0 lead.
In the eighth inning, Kraig Binick drove home Matt Esquivel with an RBI single. Then Kennard Jones cleared the bases with a three RBI double to left for a 7-0 Long Island lead.
***John Rodriguez missed another game, perhaps due to a lingering thumb issue.
Mike.BTB
Monday, June 27, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Closer To A First Half Divison Clincher
From the desk of: WADDLING THROUGH BROOKLYN
The Ducks Are Well On Their Way To Wiping Away The Memory Of Missing The Playoffs in 2010. With Less Than Two Weeks To Go, The Webbed Crusaders Are Zeroing In On a First Half Clinch.
The South Maryland Blue Crabs salvaged the last game of their series against the Long Island Ducks Sunday afternoon to avoid dropping behind Long Island by six games. For the Ducks, the first half standings are twelve games away from being written in stone. They lead the Liberty Division by a healthy five games over South Maryland. Somewhere around July 9, 2011, the Atlantic League's First Half division winners will be decided as the first half comes to an end and the standings get frozen in time.
Winning the division obviously has it's advantages once the playoffs start. But the Long Island Ducks also sport the League's best record. And there are playoff advantages to that too. The Ducks' record of 33-17 is tops so far. Behind them is the Freedom Division leader; Lancaster Barnstormers; with a
30-19 record. As division leaders, they are the only two clubs with thirty or more wins.
The Long Island Ducks disappointingly missed the playoffs last season. This year, they have played with a near-complete balance to their game and are perhaps the most well rounded team in the League today.
Batting for average; timely hitting; and power compliment strong starting pitching, while backed up by shut-down bullpen work. All have equalled first place and current King of the Hill status for the Webbed Spikes Nine.
Mike Loree; the League's top hurler in nearly all major categories; and his mound-partner; Mike Parisi; a League co-leader in strikeouts, have emerged as the Atlantic League's most lethal starting pitching combination this season. While there were reasonable expectations for Mike Parisi heading into the season, Mike Loree seized the most of a second opportunity to pitch in the starting rotation. He's anchoring the staff after not earning a spot heading into opening day. But the departure of Lenny DiNardo presented Loree with another opportunity and he nailed it. Loree and Parisi; the Mike and Mike Show; are a combined 13-3 this season. After Loree and Parisi, the Ducks might be considered a little thin in the rotation. More about that towards the end of this post.
Stocked with firemen like Ehren Wassermann; Jeremy Hill; emerging Bob Zimmermann; and of course, the Bethpage Thrilla' Bubbie Buzachero; the Ducks' bullpen is well armed for long relief if necessary. Of particular note, the work Eren Wassermann has put in so far should not go under spoken. He and Buzachero have a combined 14 saves. There were hopes former Met; Duaner Sanchez could be a big contributor this season. But in only nine appearances he was largely ineffective and is presently inactive. However, Shane Youman has come on lately, and in five appearances is yet to allow a run.
On the offensive side of things, the Ducks lead the Atlantic League in runs (308) scored. Kraig Binick batted over .400 for a substantial time before missing a week with facial fractures. His .352 batting average is still second overall in the League. Javier Colina is batting .303; Matt Esquivel is at .321; and John Rodriguez is working on a .298 average.
Javier Colina is second in the League in home runs (10) and sixth in RBI. John Rodriguez, despite missing five games recently due to a sore thumb, is still tied for the League lead with 42 RBI. After Colina's ten home runs, there are no shortages for power in the Ducks line-up. Ray Navarrete and J.R. House are second on the team with eight apiece. John Rodriguez comes in next with seven. And Matt Esquivel and Lew Ford have six each.
John Rodriguez leads all Atlantic Leaguers in RBI, but quite a few Ducks are driving in runs also. Javier Colina with thirty-six and J.R House with thirty-four, round out the team's top three.
Defensively, I'd only offer maybe Ray Navarrete and Javier Colina need to tighten things up a bit up the middle. Matt Esquivel has had his moments in right field, but is doing a respectable job. Otherwise, the Ducks are a fundamentally sound bunch.
The Lancaster Barnstormers are only 5-5 in their last ten games. Last year's champion; the York Revolution are hot on their trail. Winners of nine out of their last ten, they are only one game behind first place Lancaster in the Freedom Division. As a matter of fact, York IS the hottest team in the League right now.
Then enter the Ducks who are winners of seven out of their last ten games. Many thought, after losing their top two sluggers, who's contracts were purchased by the Mexican League, the Blue Crabs would fade away in the Liberty Division standings.. But they stuck around and took turns occupying first place with the Ducks before Long Island finally took a firm grip on the division. Bridgeport started to surge and I thought they'd over-take South Maryland at some point. But they are mired at .500 and can't seem to stop running in place. Last place Camden recently visited Long Island and gave them all they could handle with a four game series split.
After an off day Monday, The Ducks play host to the white hot York Revolution for three games. That should be a very interesting series for the Ducks. Joselo Diaz, who's struggled this season, and Ruddy Lugo are my guess to start two games during the series. A third starter is harder to find. Perhaps Shane Youman gets called to man the hill for a game. York will escape without having to face Loree and Parisi after they pitched against South Maryland over the weekend.
ATLANTIC LEAGUE NEWS:
During the bottom of the fourth inning in a game between the Lancaster Barnstormers and the Somerset Patriots, Lancaster manager; Butch Hobson; argued over a play at first base with first base umpire; Chris Rick.
A heated Butch Hobson then gestured as if to throw the Umpire out of the game. Well, that bought Hobson an ejection. Coach Hobson then repeated the gesture throwing the Umpire out of the game again. He then removed the first base bag out of the ground and took it with him to the dugout, where he retrieved a Sharpie; signed the bag; and gave it to a young fan in the first row. The home crowd went wild as the game continued without a first base bag.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS:
Off Day; State of the Pond Address.
The Ducks Are Well On Their Way To Wiping Away The Memory Of Missing The Playoffs in 2010. With Less Than Two Weeks To Go, The Webbed Crusaders Are Zeroing In On a First Half Clinch.
The South Maryland Blue Crabs salvaged the last game of their series against the Long Island Ducks Sunday afternoon to avoid dropping behind Long Island by six games. For the Ducks, the first half standings are twelve games away from being written in stone. They lead the Liberty Division by a healthy five games over South Maryland. Somewhere around July 9, 2011, the Atlantic League's First Half division winners will be decided as the first half comes to an end and the standings get frozen in time.
Winning the division obviously has it's advantages once the playoffs start. But the Long Island Ducks also sport the League's best record. And there are playoff advantages to that too. The Ducks' record of 33-17 is tops so far. Behind them is the Freedom Division leader; Lancaster Barnstormers; with a
30-19 record. As division leaders, they are the only two clubs with thirty or more wins.
The Long Island Ducks disappointingly missed the playoffs last season. This year, they have played with a near-complete balance to their game and are perhaps the most well rounded team in the League today.
Batting for average; timely hitting; and power compliment strong starting pitching, while backed up by shut-down bullpen work. All have equalled first place and current King of the Hill status for the Webbed Spikes Nine.
Mike Loree; the League's top hurler in nearly all major categories; and his mound-partner; Mike Parisi; a League co-leader in strikeouts, have emerged as the Atlantic League's most lethal starting pitching combination this season. While there were reasonable expectations for Mike Parisi heading into the season, Mike Loree seized the most of a second opportunity to pitch in the starting rotation. He's anchoring the staff after not earning a spot heading into opening day. But the departure of Lenny DiNardo presented Loree with another opportunity and he nailed it. Loree and Parisi; the Mike and Mike Show; are a combined 13-3 this season. After Loree and Parisi, the Ducks might be considered a little thin in the rotation. More about that towards the end of this post.
Stocked with firemen like Ehren Wassermann; Jeremy Hill; emerging Bob Zimmermann; and of course, the Bethpage Thrilla' Bubbie Buzachero; the Ducks' bullpen is well armed for long relief if necessary. Of particular note, the work Eren Wassermann has put in so far should not go under spoken. He and Buzachero have a combined 14 saves. There were hopes former Met; Duaner Sanchez could be a big contributor this season. But in only nine appearances he was largely ineffective and is presently inactive. However, Shane Youman has come on lately, and in five appearances is yet to allow a run.
On the offensive side of things, the Ducks lead the Atlantic League in runs (308) scored. Kraig Binick batted over .400 for a substantial time before missing a week with facial fractures. His .352 batting average is still second overall in the League. Javier Colina is batting .303; Matt Esquivel is at .321; and John Rodriguez is working on a .298 average.
Javier Colina is second in the League in home runs (10) and sixth in RBI. John Rodriguez, despite missing five games recently due to a sore thumb, is still tied for the League lead with 42 RBI. After Colina's ten home runs, there are no shortages for power in the Ducks line-up. Ray Navarrete and J.R. House are second on the team with eight apiece. John Rodriguez comes in next with seven. And Matt Esquivel and Lew Ford have six each.
John Rodriguez leads all Atlantic Leaguers in RBI, but quite a few Ducks are driving in runs also. Javier Colina with thirty-six and J.R House with thirty-four, round out the team's top three.
Defensively, I'd only offer maybe Ray Navarrete and Javier Colina need to tighten things up a bit up the middle. Matt Esquivel has had his moments in right field, but is doing a respectable job. Otherwise, the Ducks are a fundamentally sound bunch.
The Lancaster Barnstormers are only 5-5 in their last ten games. Last year's champion; the York Revolution are hot on their trail. Winners of nine out of their last ten, they are only one game behind first place Lancaster in the Freedom Division. As a matter of fact, York IS the hottest team in the League right now.
Then enter the Ducks who are winners of seven out of their last ten games. Many thought, after losing their top two sluggers, who's contracts were purchased by the Mexican League, the Blue Crabs would fade away in the Liberty Division standings.. But they stuck around and took turns occupying first place with the Ducks before Long Island finally took a firm grip on the division. Bridgeport started to surge and I thought they'd over-take South Maryland at some point. But they are mired at .500 and can't seem to stop running in place. Last place Camden recently visited Long Island and gave them all they could handle with a four game series split.
After an off day Monday, The Ducks play host to the white hot York Revolution for three games. That should be a very interesting series for the Ducks. Joselo Diaz, who's struggled this season, and Ruddy Lugo are my guess to start two games during the series. A third starter is harder to find. Perhaps Shane Youman gets called to man the hill for a game. York will escape without having to face Loree and Parisi after they pitched against South Maryland over the weekend.
ATLANTIC LEAGUE NEWS:
During the bottom of the fourth inning in a game between the Lancaster Barnstormers and the Somerset Patriots, Lancaster manager; Butch Hobson; argued over a play at first base with first base umpire; Chris Rick.
A heated Butch Hobson then gestured as if to throw the Umpire out of the game. Well, that bought Hobson an ejection. Coach Hobson then repeated the gesture throwing the Umpire out of the game again. He then removed the first base bag out of the ground and took it with him to the dugout, where he retrieved a Sharpie; signed the bag; and gave it to a young fan in the first row. The home crowd went wild as the game continued without a first base bag.
Mike.BTB
Saturday, June 25, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Reaffirming First Place
From the desk of: WEBBED SPIKES
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Veni; Vidi ; Quack!
Long Island Takes First Game In Series Between Liberty Division's Top Two Teams.
They came; The saw; And they Quacked Mightily. Game one between the first place Ducks and second place Blue Crabs goes to the team invading South Maryland from Long Island.
The Ducks used the long ball; Mike Loree; and a strong effort by the bullpen to trap them some Maryland Blue Crabs Friday evening. But they needed a mid-game comeback to do it.
The Ducks and Mike Loree were trailing 2-0 after three innings. Then in the fourth inning, Matt Esquivel doubled with one out. Matt Padgett singled advancing Esquivel to third. J.R. House grounded into a double play but Esquivel scored on the play.
The Ducks blew the game open in the fifth inning. Javier Colina hit a two run home run scoring himself and Ray Navarrete who doubled. John Rodriguez singled and scored on Long Island's second home run of the inning when Matt Esquivel pounded a Brian Slocum pitch over the wall for a 5-2 Ducks' lead.
South Maryland came back with a run in the bottom of the fifth, but the Ducks took it back in the sixth. Leading off, J.R. House greeted new Blue Crabs pitcher; Jason Waddell; by crunching his 3-1 pitch for a solo home run and a 6-3 lead.
Another tack-on run in the ninth and South Maryland was officially 5 games back of Long Island in the first half standings.
The bullpen was dynamite in relief of Mike Loree. Bob Zimmermann was first out of the pen and pitched two innings of no-hit ball and struck out two. Ehren Wasserman closed out the game for the Ducks with two innings of one-hit ball. He struck out one and earned his third save this season.
Ehren Wassermann continues to pitch with authority out of the bullpen. In 30 innings pitched all in relief this season, he has 31 strikeouts while allowing just 24 hits and only two walks! He's 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA.
Mike Loree won his League leading eighth game versus just one loss. But he wasn't as sharp as he's been and got smacked around somewhat. He surrendered eleven hits to the Blue Crabs and allowed them to get out to a 2-0 early lead. He lasted only five innings Friday evening. South Maryland scored three times against him but only two runs were earned. While he was more hittable in this start, Mike Loree was still just as dominant all the same. He limited himself to one walk allowed and struck out seven Blue Crabs. His League leading ERA now stands at 1.99 and his League leading strikeout total now stands at sixty-four.
EXTRA INNING:
Kennard Jones went 0 for 5 which just might precipitate a switching of Kraig Binick from the nine-spot in the line-up, back to the lead-off spot; which is where he batted before suffering a facial injury.
LIBERTY DIVISION STANDINGS:
1st - Long Island Ducks................32-17 .653
2nd - S. Maryland Blue Crabs.....27-22 .551 5 Games Back
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Veni; Vidi ; Quack!
Long Island Takes First Game In Series Between Liberty Division's Top Two Teams.
They came; The saw; And they Quacked Mightily. Game one between the first place Ducks and second place Blue Crabs goes to the team invading South Maryland from Long Island.
The Ducks used the long ball; Mike Loree; and a strong effort by the bullpen to trap them some Maryland Blue Crabs Friday evening. But they needed a mid-game comeback to do it.
The Ducks and Mike Loree were trailing 2-0 after three innings. Then in the fourth inning, Matt Esquivel doubled with one out. Matt Padgett singled advancing Esquivel to third. J.R. House grounded into a double play but Esquivel scored on the play.
The Ducks blew the game open in the fifth inning. Javier Colina hit a two run home run scoring himself and Ray Navarrete who doubled. John Rodriguez singled and scored on Long Island's second home run of the inning when Matt Esquivel pounded a Brian Slocum pitch over the wall for a 5-2 Ducks' lead.
South Maryland came back with a run in the bottom of the fifth, but the Ducks took it back in the sixth. Leading off, J.R. House greeted new Blue Crabs pitcher; Jason Waddell; by crunching his 3-1 pitch for a solo home run and a 6-3 lead.
Another tack-on run in the ninth and South Maryland was officially 5 games back of Long Island in the first half standings.
The bullpen was dynamite in relief of Mike Loree. Bob Zimmermann was first out of the pen and pitched two innings of no-hit ball and struck out two. Ehren Wasserman closed out the game for the Ducks with two innings of one-hit ball. He struck out one and earned his third save this season.
Ehren Wassermann continues to pitch with authority out of the bullpen. In 30 innings pitched all in relief this season, he has 31 strikeouts while allowing just 24 hits and only two walks! He's 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA.
Mike Loree won his League leading eighth game versus just one loss. But he wasn't as sharp as he's been and got smacked around somewhat. He surrendered eleven hits to the Blue Crabs and allowed them to get out to a 2-0 early lead. He lasted only five innings Friday evening. South Maryland scored three times against him but only two runs were earned. While he was more hittable in this start, Mike Loree was still just as dominant all the same. He limited himself to one walk allowed and struck out seven Blue Crabs. His League leading ERA now stands at 1.99 and his League leading strikeout total now stands at sixty-four.
EXTRA INNING:
Kennard Jones went 0 for 5 which just might precipitate a switching of Kraig Binick from the nine-spot in the line-up, back to the lead-off spot; which is where he batted before suffering a facial injury.
LIBERTY DIVISION STANDINGS:
1st - Long Island Ducks................32-17 .653
2nd - S. Maryland Blue Crabs.....27-22 .551 5 Games Back
TODAY
GAME TWO
LONG ISLAND DUCKS
vs.
South Maryland Blue Crabs
From parts south of New York
Mike.BTB
Sunday, June 19, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Aiming For A Father's Day Sweep
From the desk of: WADDLING AROUND BROOKLYN
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Cruising Past The Road Warriors At High Speed.
The first place Ducks will try and make today a Happy Father's Day for all the Long Island Pops out there, as they go for a series sweep against the Road Warriors in Bethpage Park.
Winners of their last two in a row, the Ducks have maintained their 2.5 game lead over the South Maryland Blue Crabs in the Liberty Division first half standings. With last night's win over the Road Warriors, Long Island upped their record to a division best 28-15. The are 8-2 in their last ten games.
In yesterday's second game of this series, Long Island broke a one all dead-lock in the sixth inning with three runs highlighted by a Javier Colina two run single.
Ducks' starter Heath Phillips kept the Road Warriors relatively quiet in his 5.2 innings of work allowing only four hits. But he left with the score tied at one apiece and was awarded the ol' no-decision. Shane Youman earned the victory in relief. He pitched 2.1 stellar innings in relief of Phillips and was the beneficiary of Long Island's three run outburst in the sixth. He struck out four batters and surrendered no hits.
Bubbie Buzachero nailed down his tenth save of the season. In 18 innings pitched this year, he's allowed 17 hits; only walked 3 batters; and has 14 strikeouts. He has a 2-1 record in relief and a minuscule 1.50 ERA.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Cruising Past The Road Warriors At High Speed.
The first place Ducks will try and make today a Happy Father's Day for all the Long Island Pops out there, as they go for a series sweep against the Road Warriors in Bethpage Park.
Winners of their last two in a row, the Ducks have maintained their 2.5 game lead over the South Maryland Blue Crabs in the Liberty Division first half standings. With last night's win over the Road Warriors, Long Island upped their record to a division best 28-15. The are 8-2 in their last ten games.
In yesterday's second game of this series, Long Island broke a one all dead-lock in the sixth inning with three runs highlighted by a Javier Colina two run single.
Ducks' starter Heath Phillips kept the Road Warriors relatively quiet in his 5.2 innings of work allowing only four hits. But he left with the score tied at one apiece and was awarded the ol' no-decision. Shane Youman earned the victory in relief. He pitched 2.1 stellar innings in relief of Phillips and was the beneficiary of Long Island's three run outburst in the sixth. He struck out four batters and surrendered no hits.
Bubbie Buzachero nailed down his tenth save of the season. In 18 innings pitched this year, he's allowed 17 hits; only walked 3 batters; and has 14 strikeouts. He has a 2-1 record in relief and a minuscule 1.50 ERA.
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Mike Loree Emerges As Atlantic League's Best Hurler
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
Long Island Ducks: Mike Loree Continues His Domination of the Atlantic League. Ducks Add A Full Game To Their First Place Lead.
In Lancaster, Ducks' hurler Mike Loree added another sparkling start to his 2011 resume as Long Island won the first game of a three game series against the Barnstormers by a final score of 5-3.
J.R. House homered for Long Island in the 5th inning for the first run of the game. Kennard Jones and Ray Navarrete starting things off for the Ducks in the 6th with back-to-back lead-off singles. Javier Colina and John Rodriguez drove them in with another pair of consecutive singles to put Long Island ahead 3-0 after six full innings.
Tying his longest start of the season, Mike Loree came out to pitch the seventh and faced three batters. After a lead-off single and a fly out to center field, Mike Loree hit the next batter. That prompted a visit from Coach Baez who made a move to the bullpen calling on Jeremy Hill for relief. The Barnstormers loaded the bases against Hill, and brought a run home with a sac fly to break the shut-out. That run was charged to Loree. Jeremy Hill kept the Ducks out of further trouble by striking out the next batter for out number three.
Long Island picked up two insurance runs in the top of the eighth with a two out rally. John Rodriguez drew a walk. He scored on Matt Esquivel's double. The next Ducks' batter, Matt Padget drove Esquivel home with a single upping Long Island's lead; 5-1.
Jeremy Hill pitched himself into trouble in the bottom of the eighth inning by allowing the first two batters to reach base with no outs. After getting one out, Jeremy surrendered a single allowing Lancaster to plate their second run. Lancaster's park helped the Ducks when it held a Terry Tiffee (DH-Lancaster) blast from leaving the park. The Barnstormers were held to one run scoring on that blast off the wall but the spread on the scoreboard was closing.
Coach Baez made his way to the mound again and gave Jeremy Hill the hook with the score at 5-3.
Ehren Wasserman was called in by Coach to get the Ducks out of this jam. Wasserman got the second out of the inning by striking out his first batter. Wasserman completed the job by inducing the next batter into a ground out to short.
Ducks' closer, Bubbie Buzachero, was called upon to close the ninth inning.
Give the bullpen credit tonight even though they made things very interesting. Jeremy Hill pitched the Ducks out of Mike Loree's jam in the seventh. Ehren Wasserman got them out of Jeremy Hill's jam in the eighth. And Buzachero made things most interesting of all. After getting the first two outs, he allowed the next two batters to get on base. That brought the potential winning run to the plate. Javier Colina had trouble handling a blast to short, but composed himself to record the last out of the game and preserving a well pitched game by Mike Loree. Mr. Excitement; Bubbie Buzachero; managed his 8th save of the season.
MIKE LOREE's LINE:
6.1 ~ innings pitched
3 ~ hits.
1 ~ run.
2 ~ walks.
9 ~ strikeouts.
SEASON RECORD:
6 wins; 1 loss
Tonight's effort by Mike Loree now ties him for the CanAm League lead in wins with six while also lowering his already League leading ERA from 2.25 down to 2.18. After nine strikeouts tonight, he now has 48 for the season which also now places him first in the Atlantic League. A tremendous start to a season for a guy cashing in on a second chance continues.
Long Island and South Maryland started Tuesday evening with the Ducks in front by a mere half game. Tonight's win coupled with the South Maryland Blue Crabs' loss to Camden increases Long Island's first place lead in the Liberty Division to 1.5 games.
This was Long Island's third consecutive win. They are 8-2 in their last ten games.
Bridgeport fell to 4 games back in the standings and are losing a rain delayed game 4-2 to the Road Warriors in the sixth inning as of this post time.
Mike.BTB
Long Island Ducks: Mike Loree Continues His Domination of the Atlantic League. Ducks Add A Full Game To Their First Place Lead.
In Lancaster, Ducks' hurler Mike Loree added another sparkling start to his 2011 resume as Long Island won the first game of a three game series against the Barnstormers by a final score of 5-3.
J.R. House homered for Long Island in the 5th inning for the first run of the game. Kennard Jones and Ray Navarrete starting things off for the Ducks in the 6th with back-to-back lead-off singles. Javier Colina and John Rodriguez drove them in with another pair of consecutive singles to put Long Island ahead 3-0 after six full innings.
Tying his longest start of the season, Mike Loree came out to pitch the seventh and faced three batters. After a lead-off single and a fly out to center field, Mike Loree hit the next batter. That prompted a visit from Coach Baez who made a move to the bullpen calling on Jeremy Hill for relief. The Barnstormers loaded the bases against Hill, and brought a run home with a sac fly to break the shut-out. That run was charged to Loree. Jeremy Hill kept the Ducks out of further trouble by striking out the next batter for out number three.
Long Island picked up two insurance runs in the top of the eighth with a two out rally. John Rodriguez drew a walk. He scored on Matt Esquivel's double. The next Ducks' batter, Matt Padget drove Esquivel home with a single upping Long Island's lead; 5-1.
Jeremy Hill pitched himself into trouble in the bottom of the eighth inning by allowing the first two batters to reach base with no outs. After getting one out, Jeremy surrendered a single allowing Lancaster to plate their second run. Lancaster's park helped the Ducks when it held a Terry Tiffee (DH-Lancaster) blast from leaving the park. The Barnstormers were held to one run scoring on that blast off the wall but the spread on the scoreboard was closing.
Coach Baez made his way to the mound again and gave Jeremy Hill the hook with the score at 5-3.
Ehren Wasserman was called in by Coach to get the Ducks out of this jam. Wasserman got the second out of the inning by striking out his first batter. Wasserman completed the job by inducing the next batter into a ground out to short.
Ducks' closer, Bubbie Buzachero, was called upon to close the ninth inning.
Give the bullpen credit tonight even though they made things very interesting. Jeremy Hill pitched the Ducks out of Mike Loree's jam in the seventh. Ehren Wasserman got them out of Jeremy Hill's jam in the eighth. And Buzachero made things most interesting of all. After getting the first two outs, he allowed the next two batters to get on base. That brought the potential winning run to the plate. Javier Colina had trouble handling a blast to short, but composed himself to record the last out of the game and preserving a well pitched game by Mike Loree. Mr. Excitement; Bubbie Buzachero; managed his 8th save of the season.
MIKE LOREE's LINE:
6.1 ~ innings pitched
3 ~ hits.
1 ~ run.
2 ~ walks.
9 ~ strikeouts.
SEASON RECORD:
6 wins; 1 loss
Tonight's effort by Mike Loree now ties him for the CanAm League lead in wins with six while also lowering his already League leading ERA from 2.25 down to 2.18. After nine strikeouts tonight, he now has 48 for the season which also now places him first in the Atlantic League. A tremendous start to a season for a guy cashing in on a second chance continues.
Long Island and South Maryland started Tuesday evening with the Ducks in front by a mere half game. Tonight's win coupled with the South Maryland Blue Crabs' loss to Camden increases Long Island's first place lead in the Liberty Division to 1.5 games.
This was Long Island's third consecutive win. They are 8-2 in their last ten games.
Bridgeport fell to 4 games back in the standings and are losing a rain delayed game 4-2 to the Road Warriors in the sixth inning as of this post time.
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
ATLANTIC LEAGUE ~ Long Island @ Camden; Final
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: GAME FINAL IN CAMDEN:
DUCKS 2
RIVER SHARKS 5
CAMDEN RIVER SHARKS WIN HOME OPENER.
The Camden River Sharks defeated the Long Island Ducks 5-2 in Camden's Home Opener at Campbell's Field Tuesday night. Camden's DH-Brian Burgamy (3 for 4) hit a two run home run in the second inning. In the fifth inning, Toby Hall connected on another two run home run after a Mike Lamb double drove in the River Sharks third run of the game.
Chris Mason picked up the win for Camden. In five innings, he gave up only two hits; he struck out two and walked two in helping the River Sharks gain their first victory of the season.
The Ducks scored two unearned runs in the 7th inning, but could muster little else, with only four hits on the night. Lenny DiNardo took the loss in his Ducks debut. The Ducks have now lost two in a row after winning their first two games against Bridgeport.
Long Island's Javier Colina came out in the 7th inning with an abdominal strain after going 1 for 3 in the game.
Mike.BTB
DUCKS 2
RIVER SHARKS 5
CAMDEN RIVER SHARKS WIN HOME OPENER.
The Camden River Sharks defeated the Long Island Ducks 5-2 in Camden's Home Opener at Campbell's Field Tuesday night. Camden's DH-Brian Burgamy (3 for 4) hit a two run home run in the second inning. In the fifth inning, Toby Hall connected on another two run home run after a Mike Lamb double drove in the River Sharks third run of the game.
Chris Mason picked up the win for Camden. In five innings, he gave up only two hits; he struck out two and walked two in helping the River Sharks gain their first victory of the season.
The Ducks scored two unearned runs in the 7th inning, but could muster little else, with only four hits on the night. Lenny DiNardo took the loss in his Ducks debut. The Ducks have now lost two in a row after winning their first two games against Bridgeport.
Long Island's Javier Colina came out in the 7th inning with an abdominal strain after going 1 for 3 in the game.
Mike.BTB
Saturday, April 30, 2011
ATLANTIC LEAGUE ~ Bridgeport Drops Opener To Long Island
ATLANTIC LEAGUE of BASEBALL
OPENING DAY
THE BALLPARK AT HARBOR YARD
Bridgeport, Connecticut
HOME of the BRIDGEPORT BLUEFISH
GAME ONE FINAL
LONG ISLAND DUCKS 2
BRIDGEPORT BLUEFISH 1
11 innings
Bottom First Inning
I visited the Ballpark at Harbor Yards in Bridgeport,Connecticut last night, where the Long Island Ducks and Bridgeport Bluefish needed extra innings to settle their first game of the 2011 Atlantic League season. Both teams traded a run in the fourth, but the outcome wasn't decided until the eleventh inning.
In the top half of the fourth inning, Long Island's Javier Colina led-off with a double. He moved over to third base when Ray Navarrete bounced-out to short. John Rodriguez then singled to drive in Colina.
In Bridgeport's bottom half of the inning, Adam Greenberg drew a lead-off walk. Danny Putnam then singled, but when Steve Moss popped to right, Putnam got doubled off first base. Joe Borchard followed with a single scoring Greenberg to tie the score at one apiece.
Both starting pitchers pitched six quality innings and would draw no-decisions:
(DUCKS) Joselo Diaz - 6 IP; 3 Hits; 1 Earned Run; 3 BB; 6 K
(BLUEFISH) Pat Ryan - 6 IP; 5 Hits; 1 Earned Run; 0 BB; 5 K
The Ducks scored in the top of the 11th inning. Kennard Jones led off with a single. He stole second and advanced to third on an errant throw (E-2). The Bluefish committed their second error in the inning when Bridgeport's pitcher; Will Cunnane, fielded a topper hit by Javier Colina. After checking the runner at third, he threw wide of first , allowing Colina to reach safely. Ray Navarrete then doubled, scoring Kennard Jones from third. Javier Colina was thrown out also trying to score on the play.
Into the game came former Met; Duaner Sanchez...! - to try and close-out the game for Long Island. He walked one batter and struck out another while achieving his first save of the season for his new club.
Long Island's Bubbie Buzachero earned the victory in relief. Javier Colina went 3 for 5. Ray Navarrete had the game-winning RBI; double.
Bridgeport's Will Cunnane took the loss.
Long Island's Bubbie Buzachero earned the victory in relief. Javier Colina went 3 for 5. Ray Navarrete had the game-winning RBI; double.
Bridgeport's Will Cunnane took the loss.
"EXTRA-INNINGS"
Mike.BTB
Friday, April 29, 2011
LONG ISLAND DUCKS ~ GAME ONE; 2011 SEASON
ATLANTIC LEAGUE BASEBALL
est. 1998
OPENING DAY
LONG ISLAND DUCKS
SP - Joselo Diaz
SP - Joselo Diaz
vs
BRIDGEPORT BLUEFISH
SP - Pat Ryan
SP - Pat Ryan
From The Ballpark at Harbor Yard
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport, Connecticut
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Looking To Rebound From An Average 2010 Season.
One of the most successful Independent League franchises ever; The Long Island Ducks, are kicking-off their 14th season of Atlantic League Baseball.
They are managed by an ex-Met farm-hand; Kevin Baez, who played parts of three seasons between 1990-1993 in Flushing. And, beloved Met Legend; Atlantic League patriarch; and part team owner, Buddy Harrelson returns to his familiar role as Bench Coach.
Many Met fans will recall this name; Duaner Sanchez. The former Major League pitcher joins Long Island this season. Other Long Island pitchers sporting Major League experience are:
Valerio De Los Santos
Joselo Diaz
Lenny DiNardo
Ruddy Lugo
Mike Parisi
Heath Phillips
Ehren Wasserman
and Jeremy Hill.
Valerio De Los Santos
Joselo Diaz
Lenny DiNardo
Ruddy Lugo
Mike Parisi
Heath Phillips
Ehren Wasserman
and Jeremy Hill.
New Jersey native, Port Washington resident and crowd favorite, Ray Navarrete is returning for his sixth season in a Ducks uniform. In 2009, he was voted Atlantic League MVP. And, another minor league veteran Javier Colina - whom I watched have his best season in 2007 while playing for the Bears in Newark, returns for his second season on Long Island. In 2007, during the Bears last A.L. Championship season, he batted .309, with 26 home runs and 101 RBI in 121 games played. In Game Three of that Championship Series, Javier Colina tossed me this ball:
Among Long Island's position players with MLB experience are:
Outfielder - Lew Ford
Outfielder and Native New Yorker - John Rodriguez
Catcher - J.R. House
The Ducks open the season with a three game series versus Bridgeport, then head down to Camden, New Jersey and take on the River Sharks. Long Island's Opening Day will be Friday, May 6th in a return series against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Last season, the Bluefish lost the Championship series to the York Revolution.
Far from being bad, the 2010 season didn't go so well for the Quack Attack. They finished the first half of the season in last place of the Freedom Division 5 games back of first, with a 36-34 (.514) record. They finished the second half in third place with a .500 record; 34-34, and 12 games back. Overall, they had a respectable 70-68 record (.507), but did not qualify for the playoffs.
But that hasn't dampened the spirits of their records-setting fan base a bit. This season, based on early ticket sales, it looks like Long Islanders plan on making sure every home game is a sell out again, and therefore continuing their tradition of exceptionally strong support of the team.
This season, my goal is to make four or five trips out there. They play 74 miles from my door. I just hope they have room for one more.
Tonight, I'm headed to Bridgeport.
Let's Go Ducks!
LINKS:
Long Island Ducks
Bridgeport Bluefish
Atlantic League
OTHER OPENING DAY GAMES:
The Road Warriors @ Lancaster Barnstormers
Camden River Sharks @ York Revolution
Somerset Patriots @ Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
Mike.BTB
Outfielder - Lew Ford
Outfielder and Native New Yorker - John Rodriguez
Catcher - J.R. House
The Ducks open the season with a three game series versus Bridgeport, then head down to Camden, New Jersey and take on the River Sharks. Long Island's Opening Day will be Friday, May 6th in a return series against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Last season, the Bluefish lost the Championship series to the York Revolution.
Far from being bad, the 2010 season didn't go so well for the Quack Attack. They finished the first half of the season in last place of the Freedom Division 5 games back of first, with a 36-34 (.514) record. They finished the second half in third place with a .500 record; 34-34, and 12 games back. Overall, they had a respectable 70-68 record (.507), but did not qualify for the playoffs.
But that hasn't dampened the spirits of their records-setting fan base a bit. This season, based on early ticket sales, it looks like Long Islanders plan on making sure every home game is a sell out again, and therefore continuing their tradition of exceptionally strong support of the team.
This season, my goal is to make four or five trips out there. They play 74 miles from my door. I just hope they have room for one more.
Tonight, I'm headed to Bridgeport.
Let's Go Ducks!
LINKS:
Long Island Ducks
Bridgeport Bluefish
Atlantic League
OTHER OPENING DAY GAMES:
The Road Warriors @ Lancaster Barnstormers
Camden River Sharks @ York Revolution
Somerset Patriots @ Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
Mike.BTB
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