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 John Rodriguez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Rodriguez. Show all posts
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Take Opening Game
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
In one of today's tabloids (Newsday), today's Long Island starter Mike Loree revealed that upon signing his contract with the Pirates organization, he requested he be allowed to pitch with the Ducks during their post-season run. Of course, PITT kindly obliged. Mike said the guys in the Ducks clubhouse were a very tight bunch and that winning a Championship with them would be extremely special. The idea is to excel and graduate from a team like the Ducks; hopefully up into affiliated Baseball. But he wanted very much to be here; now; with the Long Island Ducks; where he pitched masterfully for them for most of the regular season, and now wants to see it all the way through.
Tonight was a step in the right direction. Mike Loree hasn't been quite the same dominant hurler he was prior to leaving the Ducks. Maybe lack of run support was to blame. But it shouldn't be anything to be too concerned about. Tonight, the Ducks had to settle for him just being damn good. He was looking a little hittable early on. Southern Maryland touched him for five hits and two runs over his first three innings pitched. But Long Island didn't leave him pondering a 2-1 deficit on the mound for too long. The Ducks scored five more times for Loree before the fourth inning even began.
In a sense, the game was a welcome return to a proven formula the Ducks relied on all season long. As Mike Loree set down opponents and accumulated scoreless innings pitch, the Long Island offense was busy building up handsome leads. The Blue Crabs actually out-hit the Ducks Wednesday 13-9; but Long Island was able to string theirs together consecutively and clearly more effectively. And Matt Padgett was able to turn up some power for good measure.
In the Ducks' home first and with one out, Ray Navarrete doubled, then advanced to third on a wild pitch. John Rodriguez; back in the clean-up spot; drove him home with a sac-fly to left for the first run of the game. The Blue Crabs followed that up by making Mike Loree sweat through a tough second inning with four hits leading to two earned runs and a Blue Crab lead.
But like I said, the lead was short lived. Long Island went to work against Southern Maryland starter; Virgil Vasquez in the bottom half of the second and effectively ended Vasquez' night. With one out, Matt Padgett blasted the first home run of the series to tie the game at two apiece. Three consecutive singles from Freddy Thon; Kraig Binnick; and Kinard Jones; and a Blue Crab throwing error allowed the Ducks' third run to score. Then Ray Navarrete grounded out but Kraig Binnick scored an unearned run on the play to make it a 4-1 game heading into the third.
John Rodriguez led off the home third with a single. J.R. House followed with another single. A fielder's choice hit into by Matt Esquivel made it first and third with one out. Then, Matt Padgett promptly singled to center driving in Rodriguez from third. Kraig Binnick came up and slapped another Ducks' hit driving in Esquivel for the Ducks' second run of the third inning and a 6-2 lead.
Mike Loree settled down. After the shaky start and striking out only one batter over the first three innings, he struck out three batters over his last three frames while allowing just three more hits and a walk after six completed trips to the mound. He left the game staked to a 6-2 lead as Coach Baez decided to go to his bullpen and put the ball into the hands of Jeremy Hill for the seventh.
Jeremy Hill kept the Blue Crabs quiet over his two innings pitched. Although he gave up three hits, he allowed Southern Maryland nothing more.
In to pitch the Long Island ninth inning came Jon Hunton. It was a strange call in my opinion. He was a late September acquisition who made three regular season appearances prior to the playoffs. He allowed the Blue Crabs to get within 6-3, but then shut down the remaining batters to face him; and striking out the last. A little bump withstanding; it was a good call....I guess. But I do question Coach Baez' trust in Bubbie Buzachero right now.
The Long Island Ducks win Game One of the Liberty Division Championship Series. Game Two of this best of five match-up is scheduled for Thursday evening at Bethpage Park, Long Island.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: GAME ONE FINAL
S. Maryland Blue Crabs 3
LONG ISLAND DUCKS 6
Ducks Lead Series 1-0
Best of Five
The Webbed Nine Employ An Old Formula in Tonight's Win Over Southern Maryland.
Tonight was a step in the right direction. Mike Loree hasn't been quite the same dominant hurler he was prior to leaving the Ducks. Maybe lack of run support was to blame. But it shouldn't be anything to be too concerned about. Tonight, the Ducks had to settle for him just being damn good. He was looking a little hittable early on. Southern Maryland touched him for five hits and two runs over his first three innings pitched. But Long Island didn't leave him pondering a 2-1 deficit on the mound for too long. The Ducks scored five more times for Loree before the fourth inning even began.
In a sense, the game was a welcome return to a proven formula the Ducks relied on all season long. As Mike Loree set down opponents and accumulated scoreless innings pitch, the Long Island offense was busy building up handsome leads. The Blue Crabs actually out-hit the Ducks Wednesday 13-9; but Long Island was able to string theirs together consecutively and clearly more effectively. And Matt Padgett was able to turn up some power for good measure.
In the Ducks' home first and with one out, Ray Navarrete doubled, then advanced to third on a wild pitch. John Rodriguez; back in the clean-up spot; drove him home with a sac-fly to left for the first run of the game. The Blue Crabs followed that up by making Mike Loree sweat through a tough second inning with four hits leading to two earned runs and a Blue Crab lead.
But like I said, the lead was short lived. Long Island went to work against Southern Maryland starter; Virgil Vasquez in the bottom half of the second and effectively ended Vasquez' night. With one out, Matt Padgett blasted the first home run of the series to tie the game at two apiece. Three consecutive singles from Freddy Thon; Kraig Binnick; and Kinard Jones; and a Blue Crab throwing error allowed the Ducks' third run to score. Then Ray Navarrete grounded out but Kraig Binnick scored an unearned run on the play to make it a 4-1 game heading into the third.
John Rodriguez led off the home third with a single. J.R. House followed with another single. A fielder's choice hit into by Matt Esquivel made it first and third with one out. Then, Matt Padgett promptly singled to center driving in Rodriguez from third. Kraig Binnick came up and slapped another Ducks' hit driving in Esquivel for the Ducks' second run of the third inning and a 6-2 lead.
Mike Loree settled down. After the shaky start and striking out only one batter over the first three innings, he struck out three batters over his last three frames while allowing just three more hits and a walk after six completed trips to the mound. He left the game staked to a 6-2 lead as Coach Baez decided to go to his bullpen and put the ball into the hands of Jeremy Hill for the seventh.
Jeremy Hill kept the Blue Crabs quiet over his two innings pitched. Although he gave up three hits, he allowed Southern Maryland nothing more.
In to pitch the Long Island ninth inning came Jon Hunton. It was a strange call in my opinion. He was a late September acquisition who made three regular season appearances prior to the playoffs. He allowed the Blue Crabs to get within 6-3, but then shut down the remaining batters to face him; and striking out the last. A little bump withstanding; it was a good call....I guess. But I do question Coach Baez' trust in Bubbie Buzachero right now.
The Long Island Ducks win Game One of the Liberty Division Championship Series. Game Two of this best of five match-up is scheduled for Thursday evening at Bethpage Park, Long Island.
* * * * *
TONIGHT
THURSDAY
September 22, 2011
ATLANTIC LEAGUE
LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Best of Five
GAME TWO
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (0-1)
vs.
LONG ISLAND DUCKS (1-0)
From
The Ballpark at Bethpage
LONG ISLAND, N.Y.
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
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ The Final Stretch
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: After All The Rain; Recent Struggles; and Re-Signing Loree; Things Are Looking Bright Again for the Playoffs.
They'll waddle to Southern Maryland for three games, then come home to Bethpage Park for the final series of the regular season and a showdown of sorts versus the Bridgeport Bluefish, in a match up that may very well decide which of the two teams win the Liberty Division's second-half title.
Monday's schedule was light and the Ducks were off. But when the full Atlantic League schedule resumes Tuesday, the Ducks will be leading the Bluefish by a mere half-game for the division lead. In the most recent series between Bridgeport and Long Island, the Bluefish gave the Ducks a taste of second place for a night. But Long Island now seems to have stabilized. They apparently corrected themselves out of a wild tailspin they found themselves in that started back in mid/late August.
Two of the biggest reasons for the recent turn-around no doubt have to be related to A) - the savvy signing of starting pitcher, Josh Banks; and B) - the return of starting pitcher, Mike Loree to the Ducks; with whom he's pitched exceptionally well this season; and matter of fact; dominated the Atlantic League until his contract was sold. In his absence from the Ducks, his work still led the League in all three Triple Crown pitching categories.
With a somewhat formidable one-two punch again; unlike they had after Mike Parisi's contract was likewise sold earlier this season, the Ducks are now playing better overall baseball again while the supporting staff starters have definitely picked up as well. It's the ol' "success breeds success" theory and guys like Mark Diapoulis should benefit.
With six games remaining before the post-season, things couldn't have come together better for Long Island than they have recently with regard to their starting pitching. But on another note, it's imperative the Ducks get a healthy John Rodriguez; who's battled nagging injuries all season; and Ehren Wasserman; recently sidelined; back in time for the playoffs.
The absence of Rodriguez in the clean-up spot leaves a gaping hole in the Ducks' line-up. When not injured, he was leading the League in RBI on two separate occasions. Yet with all the games he's missed this season, he's still fourth in the League in RBI.
And Ehren Wasserman has been nothing short of incredible out of the pen. He leads Ducks' pitchers in appearances and is second in saves behind closer Bubby Buzachero with eleven. In sixty-three innings pitched this season, Ehren struck out sixty-six; walked only twelve; with only fifty-four hits allowed. It's imperative the Ducks get him back healthy and in time for a first round playoff series.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: After All The Rain; Recent Struggles; and Re-Signing Loree; Things Are Looking Bright Again for the Playoffs.
They'll waddle to Southern Maryland for three games, then come home to Bethpage Park for the final series of the regular season and a showdown of sorts versus the Bridgeport Bluefish, in a match up that may very well decide which of the two teams win the Liberty Division's second-half title.
Monday's schedule was light and the Ducks were off. But when the full Atlantic League schedule resumes Tuesday, the Ducks will be leading the Bluefish by a mere half-game for the division lead. In the most recent series between Bridgeport and Long Island, the Bluefish gave the Ducks a taste of second place for a night. But Long Island now seems to have stabilized. They apparently corrected themselves out of a wild tailspin they found themselves in that started back in mid/late August.
Two of the biggest reasons for the recent turn-around no doubt have to be related to A) - the savvy signing of starting pitcher, Josh Banks; and B) - the return of starting pitcher, Mike Loree to the Ducks; with whom he's pitched exceptionally well this season; and matter of fact; dominated the Atlantic League until his contract was sold. In his absence from the Ducks, his work still led the League in all three Triple Crown pitching categories.
With a somewhat formidable one-two punch again; unlike they had after Mike Parisi's contract was likewise sold earlier this season, the Ducks are now playing better overall baseball again while the supporting staff starters have definitely picked up as well. It's the ol' "success breeds success" theory and guys like Mark Diapoulis should benefit.
With six games remaining before the post-season, things couldn't have come together better for Long Island than they have recently with regard to their starting pitching. But on another note, it's imperative the Ducks get a healthy John Rodriguez; who's battled nagging injuries all season; and Ehren Wasserman; recently sidelined; back in time for the playoffs.
The absence of Rodriguez in the clean-up spot leaves a gaping hole in the Ducks' line-up. When not injured, he was leading the League in RBI on two separate occasions. Yet with all the games he's missed this season, he's still fourth in the League in RBI.
And Ehren Wasserman has been nothing short of incredible out of the pen. He leads Ducks' pitchers in appearances and is second in saves behind closer Bubby Buzachero with eleven. In sixty-three innings pitched this season, Ehren struck out sixty-six; walked only twelve; with only fifty-four hits allowed. It's imperative the Ducks get him back healthy and in time for a first round playoff series.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, August 14, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ A Quack Attack in Lancaster
From the desk of: WADDLING AROUND BROOKLYN
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Big John "STUD" Rodriguez Goes Boom as the Webbed Nine Roar Back in Biggest Comeback of the Season.
Long Island just sent the rest of the League a message of sorts. They will not be denied.
The Ducks came back...; all the way back, from a 7-0 deficit to take an 8-7 lead in the seventh inning against the Barnstormers and then won it 13-10 in even more dramatic fashion than already provided. In winning their fifth game in a row, and in defeating the Lancaster Barnstormers who were leading the Freedom Division before Saturday's game, in the first two games of this weekend series, the Long Island Ducks must have the rest of the League wondering, what will it take to slow this team down?
Point made.
With their starting pitching getting depleted by untimely contract purchases, this is what the Ducks will have to do from time to time in order to compensate for their staff losses. Joselo Diaz wasn't exactly Cy Young out in Lancaster in game two; giving up seven runs to Lancaster over the first two innings of the game. But the offense rose to the occasion to bail him out and take him off the loss column.
Valerio De Los Santos made a huge fielding gaffe when he didn't cover first base on a ground ball to Matt Padgett in the bottom of the seventh. He almost got bailed out but Javier Colina couldn't turn a softly hit ball into a double play in time for the second out. It was part of a bottom half inning in which the Ducks allowed the Barnstormers to tie the game again at 10-10 with three runs.
A booming home run in the top of the eighth by John Rodriguez gave the Ducks another lead, this time 11-10. It was his third hit of the night; his 16th home run of the season; and his three RBI gave him 72; tops in the League.
Then, in the top of the ninth inning, Big John STUD uncorked his second home run of the game and 17th overall; a two run blast hit deep into the Lancaster night; to give the Ducks more insurance on their way to a 13-10 final. In all, John Rodriguez was 4 for 5 on the night; 2 home runs; 5 RBI; a double; and 4 runs scored. He upped his League leading RBI total yet again to 74 on the season.
Matt Padget went 3 for 3, with two RBI as well. Ray Navarrete was 3 for 5, with three runs scored. Bubbie Buzachero pitched the ninth inning earning his 16th save. Valerio De Los Santos earned the win in relief. To Joselo Diaz, a welcome no decision..., I'm sure.
As mentioned, that's now five wins in a row for the Ducks and are winners of eight out of their last ten. They improved their record to 22-7 in the second half and remain 3.5 games in first place ahead of the Bridgeport Bluefish. They increased their season record to 62-30 overall. They'll go for the sweep Sunday in Lancaster.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Big John "STUD" Rodriguez Goes Boom as the Webbed Nine Roar Back in Biggest Comeback of the Season.
Long Island just sent the rest of the League a message of sorts. They will not be denied.
The Ducks came back...; all the way back, from a 7-0 deficit to take an 8-7 lead in the seventh inning against the Barnstormers and then won it 13-10 in even more dramatic fashion than already provided. In winning their fifth game in a row, and in defeating the Lancaster Barnstormers who were leading the Freedom Division before Saturday's game, in the first two games of this weekend series, the Long Island Ducks must have the rest of the League wondering, what will it take to slow this team down?
Point made.
With their starting pitching getting depleted by untimely contract purchases, this is what the Ducks will have to do from time to time in order to compensate for their staff losses. Joselo Diaz wasn't exactly Cy Young out in Lancaster in game two; giving up seven runs to Lancaster over the first two innings of the game. But the offense rose to the occasion to bail him out and take him off the loss column.
Valerio De Los Santos made a huge fielding gaffe when he didn't cover first base on a ground ball to Matt Padgett in the bottom of the seventh. He almost got bailed out but Javier Colina couldn't turn a softly hit ball into a double play in time for the second out. It was part of a bottom half inning in which the Ducks allowed the Barnstormers to tie the game again at 10-10 with three runs.
A booming home run in the top of the eighth by John Rodriguez gave the Ducks another lead, this time 11-10. It was his third hit of the night; his 16th home run of the season; and his three RBI gave him 72; tops in the League.
Then, in the top of the ninth inning, Big John STUD uncorked his second home run of the game and 17th overall; a two run blast hit deep into the Lancaster night; to give the Ducks more insurance on their way to a 13-10 final. In all, John Rodriguez was 4 for 5 on the night; 2 home runs; 5 RBI; a double; and 4 runs scored. He upped his League leading RBI total yet again to 74 on the season.
Matt Padget went 3 for 3, with two RBI as well. Ray Navarrete was 3 for 5, with three runs scored. Bubbie Buzachero pitched the ninth inning earning his 16th save. Valerio De Los Santos earned the win in relief. To Joselo Diaz, a welcome no decision..., I'm sure.
As mentioned, that's now five wins in a row for the Ducks and are winners of eight out of their last ten. They improved their record to 22-7 in the second half and remain 3.5 games in first place ahead of the Bridgeport Bluefish. They increased their season record to 62-30 overall. They'll go for the sweep Sunday in Lancaster.
Mike.BTB
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
L.I. Ducks ~ Hook Bluefish With First Place on the Line
From the desk of: WADDLING AROUND BROOKLYN
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Taking on the Surging Bridgeport Bluefish After Dropping Two of Three to Lancaster. Heading Into Tonight, Ducks Led Bluefish By Mere Half-Game in Second-Half Standings.
Tuesday Night Final:
Ducks.......7
Bluefish....5
Delayed; but in one of the few games that wasn't rained-out in the local area, the Long Island Ducks hosted the Bridgeport Bluefish in a second-half battle for first place of the Liberty Division. Both teams were 8-2 over their last ten games entering tonight. The Bluefish were only a half game behind Long Island with a 16-7 record. Last year's A.L. Champion is mounting a second-half surge I thought they were capable of back in June; but it was a surge which never materialized for them before the first half ended. Before tonight's final, the 17-7 Ducks were coming off a series in which they dropped two games out of three to the Lancaster Barnstormers.
Long Island's Ruddy Lugo started in search of his fifth win of the season. After six innings pitched, he left the game with the Ducks staked to a 7-3 lead. He allowed the Bluefish seven hits and surrendered four earned runs. He walked four batters and struck out four before giving way to Jeremy Hill for the seventh inning.
Bridgeport jumped on Ruddy Lugo right away. A walk; double; and two singles plated three first inning runs on three hits for the Bluefish.
Long Island got them all back plus one in the second inning. John Rodriguez reclaimed the League lead in RBI by leading-off the inning with his 15th home run of the season and accumulating his 69th RBI of the season. John Rodriguez led the League earlier in the season before being sidelined by a few injuries. He's found his way back to the top, ahead of team mate, J,R. House. Bridgeport's Wes Bankston is third in the League. Kraig Binick then tripled home J.R. House and Matt Esquivel who reached base on consecutive singles. Kinnard Jones got Binick home with a sac-fly for a 4-3 Ducks lead.
Bridgeport tied the game at four apiece with a run off Ruddy Lugo in the fifth inning. But the Ducks picked up three runs in their sixth inning allowing Ruddy Lugo to leave on the winning side of this game. J.R. House led-off with his 17th home run of the year. Kraig Binick reached first on an E3 to load the bases after Matt Esquivel and Matt Padgett both singled. Esquivel scored when Dan Lyons grounded into a double-play. And Kinnard Jones singled home Matt Padgett to make the game 7-4 Ducks.
Jeremy Hill allowed the Bluefish a run in the seventh inning to make it a 7-5 game. In all he pitched two innings allowing only the one run. He gave up one hit and a walk. Three strikeouts highlighted his night.
Bubbie Buzachero pitched the ninth inning and set down all three batters he faced with strikeout to end the game. It was his 14th save of the season. And for Ruddy Logo, he earned his fifth win of the year against two losses.
Tuesday night's win ups the Ducks record to 58-30 over-all on the season; the League's best.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: Taking on the Surging Bridgeport Bluefish After Dropping Two of Three to Lancaster. Heading Into Tonight, Ducks Led Bluefish By Mere Half-Game in Second-Half Standings.
Tuesday Night Final:
Ducks.......7
Bluefish....5
Second Half - Liberty Division
Long Island Ducks 18-6 *
Bridgeport Bluefish 17-8 1.5 GB
Delayed; but in one of the few games that wasn't rained-out in the local area, the Long Island Ducks hosted the Bridgeport Bluefish in a second-half battle for first place of the Liberty Division. Both teams were 8-2 over their last ten games entering tonight. The Bluefish were only a half game behind Long Island with a 16-7 record. Last year's A.L. Champion is mounting a second-half surge I thought they were capable of back in June; but it was a surge which never materialized for them before the first half ended. Before tonight's final, the 17-7 Ducks were coming off a series in which they dropped two games out of three to the Lancaster Barnstormers.
Long Island's Ruddy Lugo started in search of his fifth win of the season. After six innings pitched, he left the game with the Ducks staked to a 7-3 lead. He allowed the Bluefish seven hits and surrendered four earned runs. He walked four batters and struck out four before giving way to Jeremy Hill for the seventh inning.
Bridgeport jumped on Ruddy Lugo right away. A walk; double; and two singles plated three first inning runs on three hits for the Bluefish.
Long Island got them all back plus one in the second inning. John Rodriguez reclaimed the League lead in RBI by leading-off the inning with his 15th home run of the season and accumulating his 69th RBI of the season. John Rodriguez led the League earlier in the season before being sidelined by a few injuries. He's found his way back to the top, ahead of team mate, J,R. House. Bridgeport's Wes Bankston is third in the League. Kraig Binick then tripled home J.R. House and Matt Esquivel who reached base on consecutive singles. Kinnard Jones got Binick home with a sac-fly for a 4-3 Ducks lead.
Bridgeport tied the game at four apiece with a run off Ruddy Lugo in the fifth inning. But the Ducks picked up three runs in their sixth inning allowing Ruddy Lugo to leave on the winning side of this game. J.R. House led-off with his 17th home run of the year. Kraig Binick reached first on an E3 to load the bases after Matt Esquivel and Matt Padgett both singled. Esquivel scored when Dan Lyons grounded into a double-play. And Kinnard Jones singled home Matt Padgett to make the game 7-4 Ducks.
Jeremy Hill allowed the Bluefish a run in the seventh inning to make it a 7-5 game. In all he pitched two innings allowing only the one run. He gave up one hit and a walk. Three strikeouts highlighted his night.
Bubbie Buzachero pitched the ninth inning and set down all three batters he faced with strikeout to end the game. It was his 14th save of the season. And for Ruddy Logo, he earned his fifth win of the year against two losses.
Tuesday night's win ups the Ducks record to 58-30 over-all on the season; the League's best.
Mike.BTB
Saturday, August 06, 2011
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
Friday, June 24, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ In Search of Blue Crabs
From the desk of: A BROOKLYN QUACK
Long Island Ducks: Off To South Maryland For A Liberty Division Showdown With The 2nd Place Blue Crabs.
SPLIT TOUGH FOUR GAME SERIES WITH CAMDEN.
FINISH HOMESTAND 5-2.
The Liberty Division's last place club; the Camden River Sharks; came into Long Island Sound and bit at the Ducks throughout this four game series.
After a ninth inning bloop, walk-off infield hit by Ray Navarrete won a tight game Tuesday, Wednesday night, Long Island let a 6-0 lead get away.... Then blew a 7-4 lead in the ninth inning. Only to lose it all in the fourteenth inning.
In the ninth inning of Wednesday night's game, Bubbie Buzachero sabotaged his own cause when he threw wide of first base with an errant pick-off throw , allowing a runner to score. He gave up three runs in all, allowing Camden to tie the game in the course of blowing his first game of the season.
The Ducks played great defense in the extra innings to keep them alive until the fourteenth and final inning. FINAL SCORE; 8-7 Camden over Long Island.
With Camden enjoying a two games to one series lead, the teams headed into Thursday night's game.
Camden's Eddy Camacho and Long Island's Shane Youman went at each other pitch for pitch over the first six innings of the game before Long Island made the game's first move to the bullpen.
In Youman's six innings of work, Shane allowed only three hits; no runs; walked one and struck out two. In 5 games and 12.1 innings pitched this season, he has yet to yield a run. Camden's Eddy Camacho kept the Ducks quiet for seven full innings. Three hits and one walk were all he allowed while striking out three.
The winning pitcher of this game was Jeremy Hill who pitched marvelously over three innings in relief of Youman. Two hits; two walks; and two strikeouts was his line against Camden. His three inning shift on the mound was much needed after Wednesday night's 14 inning affair in which the Ducks used five pitchers out of the pen. Jeremy Hill chipped in with one inning Wednesday also.
The Ducks won their second game in walk-off fashion in their last three played. First it was Ray Navarrete delivering a game winning RBI Tuesday. Thursday, JT House took a turn at being 9th inning hero by driving home John Rodriguez from third base with his own game winning RBI single against a five-infielder shift, for a 1-0 final and a series split with the Sharks.
John Rodriguez returned to action after being given a few days off to nurse a sore thumb. This was his first game back after sitting out the last five games. The League's still reigning RBI leader scored the Ducks' winning run but was 0 for 4 in the game.
The Ducks finished their home stand with a 5-2 record. Both losses came against Camden. They improved to a now League's best 31-17 record. They maintain a four game lead over the second place South Maryland Blue Crabs. And it just so happens, that's where the Long Island Ducks are headed; to South Maryland for a three game weekend series against the Blue Crabs.
Mike.BTB
Long Island Ducks: Off To South Maryland For A Liberty Division Showdown With The 2nd Place Blue Crabs.
SPLIT TOUGH FOUR GAME SERIES WITH CAMDEN.
FINISH HOMESTAND 5-2.
The Liberty Division's last place club; the Camden River Sharks; came into Long Island Sound and bit at the Ducks throughout this four game series.
After a ninth inning bloop, walk-off infield hit by Ray Navarrete won a tight game Tuesday, Wednesday night, Long Island let a 6-0 lead get away.... Then blew a 7-4 lead in the ninth inning. Only to lose it all in the fourteenth inning.
In the ninth inning of Wednesday night's game, Bubbie Buzachero sabotaged his own cause when he threw wide of first base with an errant pick-off throw , allowing a runner to score. He gave up three runs in all, allowing Camden to tie the game in the course of blowing his first game of the season.
The Ducks played great defense in the extra innings to keep them alive until the fourteenth and final inning. FINAL SCORE; 8-7 Camden over Long Island.
With Camden enjoying a two games to one series lead, the teams headed into Thursday night's game.
Camden's Eddy Camacho and Long Island's Shane Youman went at each other pitch for pitch over the first six innings of the game before Long Island made the game's first move to the bullpen.
In Youman's six innings of work, Shane allowed only three hits; no runs; walked one and struck out two. In 5 games and 12.1 innings pitched this season, he has yet to yield a run. Camden's Eddy Camacho kept the Ducks quiet for seven full innings. Three hits and one walk were all he allowed while striking out three.
The winning pitcher of this game was Jeremy Hill who pitched marvelously over three innings in relief of Youman. Two hits; two walks; and two strikeouts was his line against Camden. His three inning shift on the mound was much needed after Wednesday night's 14 inning affair in which the Ducks used five pitchers out of the pen. Jeremy Hill chipped in with one inning Wednesday also.
The Ducks won their second game in walk-off fashion in their last three played. First it was Ray Navarrete delivering a game winning RBI Tuesday. Thursday, JT House took a turn at being 9th inning hero by driving home John Rodriguez from third base with his own game winning RBI single against a five-infielder shift, for a 1-0 final and a series split with the Sharks.
John Rodriguez returned to action after being given a few days off to nurse a sore thumb. This was his first game back after sitting out the last five games. The League's still reigning RBI leader scored the Ducks' winning run but was 0 for 4 in the game.
The Ducks finished their home stand with a 5-2 record. Both losses came against Camden. They improved to a now League's best 31-17 record. They maintain a four game lead over the second place South Maryland Blue Crabs. And it just so happens, that's where the Long Island Ducks are headed; to South Maryland for a three game weekend series against the Blue Crabs.
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Add Another Game To First Place Lead
From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE
Long Island Ducks: Improve Lead In Liberty Division To 2.5 Games. Mike Parisi and Mike Loree Providing Long Island With Strong One-Two Punch On Mound. Offense Among League's Most Potent.
In game two in a series between the Atlantic League's two first place teams, Kennard Jones hit a two out home run in the third inning for an early 1-0 Ducks' lead.
Long Island followed up in the fourth inning with two more runs. John Rodriguez led off with a double and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Matt Esquivel drove him home with a single. Esquivel stole second and reached third on a ground ball to second retiring Matt Padget for the first out. J.R. House then drew a walk putting runners on first and third. Freddie Thon reached first base on a fielder's choice scoring Esquivel from third to make it a 3-0 Ducks lead after four.
In the fifth inning, the Ducks struck for more. Kennard Jones and Ray Navarrete led off the inning with a pair of singles. After Javier Colina popped up foul to first, John Rodriguez hit a booming home run over the right center field wall to put the Long Islanders up by a 6-0 score.
Lancaster's starting pitcher; Yunior Novoa; was removed from the game after only three innings pitched. Justin Segal was called on to relieve. Both pitchers were roughed up for an equal amount of runs by the Ducks; three apiece through five innings. Two more Lancaster pitchers kept Long Island quiet through the ninth.
Ducks' starter; Mike Parisi; cruised through the first seven innings striking out six batters while surrendering only four hits and one walk. In the eighth, the first out was a hard liner to Esquivel in right. Parisi recorded his seventh strike out of the night for the second out. Then Mike Parisi powered a fastball; his 96th pitch of the night; past Lancaster's Gilberto Mejia for out number three.
Then out came Mike Parisi for the ninth in pursuit of a complete game shut-out. Lancaster's two; three; and four hitters lie ahead. The Barnstormers' Matt Watson flied to left for the first out. Third baseman Tommy Everidge, ran a full count against Parisi who then surrendered his second walk of the game. Fernando Seguignal was robbed by a brilliant backhand play by L.I. first baseman Freddie Thon who made the putout at first unassisted. With two outs, Parisi got the count to 0-2 against Aaron Herr, and yes, ended his complete game shutout with his 9th strikeout of the game.
Mike Parisi's performance gives the Ducks their first 9-inning complete game shutout of the season. He improved his record to 5-1, with five being good enough for third in the league. Mike Loree is tied for the Atlantic Lead with six. Parisi also lowered his ERA to 3.81. His 47 strikeouts now place him second in the League behind his staff-mate; Mike Loree. He and Mike Loree are emerging as a dominant starting combination who, backed by a robust offense, are leading the Ducks during the first half Liberty Division race.
Offensive Contributors Like Tonight's trio:
Kennard Jones; 3 for 4; home run; rbi; run scored.
John Rodriguez; 2 for 4; home run; 3 rbi; 2 runs scored.
Matt Esquivel; 3 for 4; rbi; run scored.
...when combined with starts like Loree yesterday and Parisi today, are what successful seasons are built upon. Forty-five home runs ties them for second in the Atlantic League. And the Ducks lead the league in runs scored.
Long Island is now 26-14 on the season and winners of four in a row. Over the last ten games, the Ducks are the hottest team in the League. The Camden River Sharks took it to the South Maryland Blue Crabs again defeating them 6-3. So that ups the Ducks lead over South Maryland to 2.5 games.
The series concludes Thursday before the Ducks go back home to play the Road Warriors.
Mike.BTB
Long Island Ducks: Improve Lead In Liberty Division To 2.5 Games. Mike Parisi and Mike Loree Providing Long Island With Strong One-Two Punch On Mound. Offense Among League's Most Potent.
In game two in a series between the Atlantic League's two first place teams, Kennard Jones hit a two out home run in the third inning for an early 1-0 Ducks' lead.
Long Island followed up in the fourth inning with two more runs. John Rodriguez led off with a double and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Matt Esquivel drove him home with a single. Esquivel stole second and reached third on a ground ball to second retiring Matt Padget for the first out. J.R. House then drew a walk putting runners on first and third. Freddie Thon reached first base on a fielder's choice scoring Esquivel from third to make it a 3-0 Ducks lead after four.
In the fifth inning, the Ducks struck for more. Kennard Jones and Ray Navarrete led off the inning with a pair of singles. After Javier Colina popped up foul to first, John Rodriguez hit a booming home run over the right center field wall to put the Long Islanders up by a 6-0 score.
Lancaster's starting pitcher; Yunior Novoa; was removed from the game after only three innings pitched. Justin Segal was called on to relieve. Both pitchers were roughed up for an equal amount of runs by the Ducks; three apiece through five innings. Two more Lancaster pitchers kept Long Island quiet through the ninth.
Ducks' starter; Mike Parisi; cruised through the first seven innings striking out six batters while surrendering only four hits and one walk. In the eighth, the first out was a hard liner to Esquivel in right. Parisi recorded his seventh strike out of the night for the second out. Then Mike Parisi powered a fastball; his 96th pitch of the night; past Lancaster's Gilberto Mejia for out number three.
Then out came Mike Parisi for the ninth in pursuit of a complete game shut-out. Lancaster's two; three; and four hitters lie ahead. The Barnstormers' Matt Watson flied to left for the first out. Third baseman Tommy Everidge, ran a full count against Parisi who then surrendered his second walk of the game. Fernando Seguignal was robbed by a brilliant backhand play by L.I. first baseman Freddie Thon who made the putout at first unassisted. With two outs, Parisi got the count to 0-2 against Aaron Herr, and yes, ended his complete game shutout with his 9th strikeout of the game.
Mike Parisi's performance gives the Ducks their first 9-inning complete game shutout of the season. He improved his record to 5-1, with five being good enough for third in the league. Mike Loree is tied for the Atlantic Lead with six. Parisi also lowered his ERA to 3.81. His 47 strikeouts now place him second in the League behind his staff-mate; Mike Loree. He and Mike Loree are emerging as a dominant starting combination who, backed by a robust offense, are leading the Ducks during the first half Liberty Division race.
Offensive Contributors Like Tonight's trio:
Kennard Jones; 3 for 4; home run; rbi; run scored.
John Rodriguez; 2 for 4; home run; 3 rbi; 2 runs scored.
Matt Esquivel; 3 for 4; rbi; run scored.
...when combined with starts like Loree yesterday and Parisi today, are what successful seasons are built upon. Forty-five home runs ties them for second in the Atlantic League. And the Ducks lead the league in runs scored.
Long Island is now 26-14 on the season and winners of four in a row. Over the last ten games, the Ducks are the hottest team in the League. The Camden River Sharks took it to the South Maryland Blue Crabs again defeating them 6-3. So that ups the Ducks lead over South Maryland to 2.5 games.
The series concludes Thursday before the Ducks go back home to play the Road Warriors.
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
Friday, June 10, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Team Explodes for 25 Runs Versus Lancaster
From the desk of: Waddling Through Brooklyn
Long Island Ducks: Line-up sets fire to Barnstormers.
As it turns out, Kraig Binick suffered a fractured orbital bone during Wednesday night's game in Lancaster and required a few stitches. He will be missing a few games after all.
Thursday was the rubber game between Long Island and the Barnstormers. Lancaster took the first game of the series Tuesday night. Long Island responded Wednesday with a 14-1 victory.
The Ducks jumped out to an early 2-0 first inning lead before the Barnstormers got a turn at-bat. Kennard Jones led off the game with a walk and quickly stole second. He then advanced to third on a wild pitch. And why not....he scored on a passed ball for the first Ducks' run. John Rodriguez drew a two out walk. Then Lew Ford was hit by a pitch. Finally, something a little more conventional, Matt Esquivel singled to drive in Rodriguez from second base.
Lancaster got one of those runs back in the bottom of the inning to make it a 2-1 game after one full inning.
But Lancaster was suffering battery problems last tonight. As I mentioned, an earlier wild pitch, a HBP, and a second passed ball in the third inning were just small indications of Lancaster's bigger problems trying to contain Long Island Thursday. The Ducks were up 9-0 in the third inning third and were still threatening with bases loaded....
Then the game just got plain 'ol out of hand. The final score was a ridiculous 25-10. The score was 15-1 after three.
Sifting through this game is like going into that closet you've been meaning to clean-out for years but are afraid to open the door because of the avalanche of junk you know will surely bury you up to your knees in stuff. So, besides the Ducks taking the rubber game of their three game series against Lancaster, I'll limit myself to say this about last night's game. The middle of long Island's order; the number four and five hitters; John Rodriguez and Lew Ford; we a two man wrecking crew.
John Rodriguez:
3 for 5 ~ 2 home runs; 8 RBI; 6 runs scored; 2 walks.
Lew Ford:
3 for 5 ~ 2 home runs; 7 RBI; 3 runs scored; walk
Long Island Ducks: Line-up sets fire to Barnstormers.
As it turns out, Kraig Binick suffered a fractured orbital bone during Wednesday night's game in Lancaster and required a few stitches. He will be missing a few games after all.
Thursday was the rubber game between Long Island and the Barnstormers. Lancaster took the first game of the series Tuesday night. Long Island responded Wednesday with a 14-1 victory.
The Ducks jumped out to an early 2-0 first inning lead before the Barnstormers got a turn at-bat. Kennard Jones led off the game with a walk and quickly stole second. He then advanced to third on a wild pitch. And why not....he scored on a passed ball for the first Ducks' run. John Rodriguez drew a two out walk. Then Lew Ford was hit by a pitch. Finally, something a little more conventional, Matt Esquivel singled to drive in Rodriguez from second base.
Lancaster got one of those runs back in the bottom of the inning to make it a 2-1 game after one full inning.
But Lancaster was suffering battery problems last tonight. As I mentioned, an earlier wild pitch, a HBP, and a second passed ball in the third inning were just small indications of Lancaster's bigger problems trying to contain Long Island Thursday. The Ducks were up 9-0 in the third inning third and were still threatening with bases loaded....
Then the game just got plain 'ol out of hand. The final score was a ridiculous 25-10. The score was 15-1 after three.
Sifting through this game is like going into that closet you've been meaning to clean-out for years but are afraid to open the door because of the avalanche of junk you know will surely bury you up to your knees in stuff. So, besides the Ducks taking the rubber game of their three game series against Lancaster, I'll limit myself to say this about last night's game. The middle of long Island's order; the number four and five hitters; John Rodriguez and Lew Ford; we a two man wrecking crew.
John Rodriguez:
3 for 5 ~ 2 home runs; 8 RBI; 6 runs scored; 2 walks.
Lew Ford:
3 for 5 ~ 2 home runs; 7 RBI; 3 runs scored; walk
TONIGHT
LONG ISLAND DUCKS
vs.
Bridgeport Bluefish
At the Ballpark at Harbor Yard
The Ducks and Blue Crabs have spent the front portion of the season's first half divisional race either in first place or drafting the lead team from second. Today however, circumstances are different. The South Maryland Blue Crabs just had the contracts of their two best hitters purchased by the Mexican League.
Following suit for now, the Ducks start tonight's series against Bridgeport in first place with South Maryland a close second. But I expect them to be falling out of the way soon. I can't see them sustaining this winning percentage after losing two such important players in their early season success.
Enter Bridgeport; they have come on like gang-busters after a very poor start to their season. And in the Bridgeport Bluefish, I believe the Long Island Ducks have what will be their new competition for the top spot in the division. The Bluefish flirted with second place recently. And even though they are losers of their last three games, they only trail Long Island by 2.5 games.
This should be a very interesting series.
Mike.BTB
Sunday, May 22, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Getting Their Feathers Ruffled on the Road
Link: AtlanticLeague.com
ATLANTIC LEAGUE: Stuff To Know.
LONG ISLAND DUCKS ~ Duck's starting pitcher Lenny DiNardo's contract was sold to the Oakland Athletics. He reported to Oakland's AAA team.
SOMERSET PATRIOTS ~ Jeff Nettles; son of former Yankees-3B, Graig Nettles, became the Atlantic Leagues All-Time RBI leader Friday night, May 20th. He broke the record of 529 held by Glenn Murray. Jeff Nettles, a tremendous crowd favorite, has been with the Somerset Patriots since the 2003 season.
YORK REVOLUTION ~ Big Jason Botts' contract was sold to the New York Mets. His MLB experience came between 2005 through 2008. The 1B-DH is 6'5" and 245 pounds! That's a big boy but he's also no spring chicken. He is 30 years old. That makes two players signed by the Mets out of the A.L. this season. Earlier this season signed pitcher; Brian Sweeney from Somerset.
From the desk of: WADDLING AROUND BROOKLYN
LINK: LongIslandDucks.com
L.I. DUCKS: Trying To Waddle Back Home On Bad Road.
The Ducks will try and avoid getting swept in York Sunday afternoon. Today's game against the Revolution wraps up a six game road trip filled with pouring rain and many potholes. They are losers of their last five games and have slipped into second place, one game and a half behind the South Maryland Blue Crabs.
Liberty Division (first Half):
1) - South Maryland....12-7 .632
2) - Long Island...........11-9 .550 1.5 GB
3) - Bridgeport..............8-9
4) - Camden................6-14
Kraig Binick is one of only two A.L. hitters still batting over four-hundred for the season. His .440 batting average is good for second in the league. John Rodriguez' 17 RBI rank him 2nd and Matt Padget's 14 RBI rank him 7th in the Atlantic League in that category.
Ray Navarrete has gotten off to a horrible start this season. The long-time crowd favorite is leading the team in at-bats with 77 in 20 games played, but is struggling along with a .180 batting average. I don't believe anyone would have anticipated that? He just recently celebrated his 33rd birthday on May 20th. So, maybe a little Birthday luck will get things turning around for him and the Ducks. They can both use some right now. The Ducks will need to take care of this last game today in York before the hometown Long Island crowd can wish Ray a belated birthday.
Pitching wise, the Ducks have three of the top seven pitchers in strikeouts. Mike Loree is second in the A.L. with 21; Joselo Diaz and Mike Parisi are tied with 19 each. Mike Loree is fourth in ERA with a 1.93 mark and Joselo Diaz is sporting a 2.08 ERA ranking him sixth in the League.
POST-GAME; Sunday, May 22, 2011 @ York Revolution:
ATLANTIC LEAGUE: Stuff To Know.
LONG ISLAND DUCKS ~ Duck's starting pitcher Lenny DiNardo's contract was sold to the Oakland Athletics. He reported to Oakland's AAA team.
SOMERSET PATRIOTS ~ Jeff Nettles; son of former Yankees-3B, Graig Nettles, became the Atlantic Leagues All-Time RBI leader Friday night, May 20th. He broke the record of 529 held by Glenn Murray. Jeff Nettles, a tremendous crowd favorite, has been with the Somerset Patriots since the 2003 season.
YORK REVOLUTION ~ Big Jason Botts' contract was sold to the New York Mets. His MLB experience came between 2005 through 2008. The 1B-DH is 6'5" and 245 pounds! That's a big boy but he's also no spring chicken. He is 30 years old. That makes two players signed by the Mets out of the A.L. this season. Earlier this season signed pitcher; Brian Sweeney from Somerset.
From the desk of: WADDLING AROUND BROOKLYN
LINK: LongIslandDucks.com
L.I. DUCKS: Trying To Waddle Back Home On Bad Road.
The Ducks will try and avoid getting swept in York Sunday afternoon. Today's game against the Revolution wraps up a six game road trip filled with pouring rain and many potholes. They are losers of their last five games and have slipped into second place, one game and a half behind the South Maryland Blue Crabs.
Liberty Division (first Half):
1) - South Maryland....12-7 .632
2) - Long Island...........11-9 .550 1.5 GB
3) - Bridgeport..............8-9
4) - Camden................6-14
Kraig Binick is one of only two A.L. hitters still batting over four-hundred for the season. His .440 batting average is good for second in the league. John Rodriguez' 17 RBI rank him 2nd and Matt Padget's 14 RBI rank him 7th in the Atlantic League in that category.
Ray Navarrete has gotten off to a horrible start this season. The long-time crowd favorite is leading the team in at-bats with 77 in 20 games played, but is struggling along with a .180 batting average. I don't believe anyone would have anticipated that? He just recently celebrated his 33rd birthday on May 20th. So, maybe a little Birthday luck will get things turning around for him and the Ducks. They can both use some right now. The Ducks will need to take care of this last game today in York before the hometown Long Island crowd can wish Ray a belated birthday.
Pitching wise, the Ducks have three of the top seven pitchers in strikeouts. Mike Loree is second in the A.L. with 21; Joselo Diaz and Mike Parisi are tied with 19 each. Mike Loree is fourth in ERA with a 1.93 mark and Joselo Diaz is sporting a 2.08 ERA ranking him sixth in the League.
TODAY
LONG ISLAND DUCKS
(2nd Place - Liberty Division - 11-9)
VS.
York Revolution
(2nd Place - Freedom Division - 10-6)
From somewhere in Pennsylvania
UPDATE FROM SOMERSET: FINAL
South Maryland ~ 7
Somerset ~ 5
10 innings
South Maryland ~ 7
Somerset ~ 5
10 innings
POST-GAME; Sunday, May 22, 2011 @ York Revolution:
FINAL
Long Island ~ 8
York ~ 6
Ray Navarrete Breaks Out.
Ask, and ye shall receive.
The Ducks have been reeling on the road and Ray Navarrete has been floundering at the plate. But tonight, Ray and the Ducks came together and put an end to their five game skid and avoided getting swept by the Revolution. They rescued the last game of what has been a miserable road trip filled with rain, losses, swings, and misses, with a dramatic comeback win in the 9th inning.
Ray Navarrete was celebrating a birthday over the weekend and tonight was the party. He staked the Ducks to an early 1-0 lead with a solo home run in the first inning. Both teams traded leads in a back and forth game. In the top of the ninth inning with the Ducks down 6-5, Ray broke out his noise-maker again and belted a three-run home run. His second home run of the game and fourth RBI of the night put Long Island up 8-6.
Bubbie Buzachero retired the Revs 1-2-3 in the bottom half of the 9th inning for the Ducks' win. Buzachero earned the save; Valerio De Los Santos got the win in relief. Ducks' starting pitcher, Mike Parisi took a no decision after only 4.2 innings worked.
Former MLB'er Lew Ford even chipped in today. He too, has struggled to start the season. He was 2 for 4 in today's game with a home run of his own coming in the second inning.
The Ducks get the next two days off. They start a home stand Wednesday night against the Camden River Sharks.
First place South Maryland defeated the Somerset Patriots in extra-innings to stay ahead of the Ducks in the Liberty Division by a game and a half.
Mike.BTB
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
L.I. DUCKS ~ Stop Two Game Skid In Camden
From the desk of: The Brooklyn Quacker
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: The Quack Attack Erupted For Five Runs In First. Even Series Against River Sharks.
The Ducks jumped out to a five run lead in the first inning by sending ten men to the plate and the pitching made it hold up. Tonight's final score in Camden N.J. was Ducks 5; - River Sharks 2.
Mike Parisi picked up the win in his Ducks' debut; pitching six innings while giving up six hits; allowing one run; three walks and striking out three. Ehren Wasserman came on to pitch in the seventh inning. He promptly pitched himself into a second and third base situation but escaped with only one run scored. Valerio De Los Santos and Bubbie Buzachero finished things out for Long Island. For Buzachero, it was his first save in three appearances this season.
1B-Freddie Thon drove in two runs for Long Island tonight and was 2 for 4 in the game. LF-Kraig Binick was 3 for 5 (three singles) on the night. Ray Naverret had his second consecutive three-hit night (3 for 5) with a run scored. John Rodriguez, Matt Padget, and Dan Lyons had an RBI each for Long Island.
The Ducks avoided losing their third game in a row while gaining their third victory of the season. They are now 3-2 for the season. Tomorrow they'll play the rubber game of the series against the Camden River Sharks before going home for the first time this season and having their Season Opener on Friday against Bridgeport.
The Von Hayse managed Camden River Sharks are now 1-4 to start the season.
Mike.BTB
LONG ISLAND DUCKS: The Quack Attack Erupted For Five Runs In First. Even Series Against River Sharks.
The Ducks jumped out to a five run lead in the first inning by sending ten men to the plate and the pitching made it hold up. Tonight's final score in Camden N.J. was Ducks 5; - River Sharks 2.
Mike Parisi picked up the win in his Ducks' debut; pitching six innings while giving up six hits; allowing one run; three walks and striking out three. Ehren Wasserman came on to pitch in the seventh inning. He promptly pitched himself into a second and third base situation but escaped with only one run scored. Valerio De Los Santos and Bubbie Buzachero finished things out for Long Island. For Buzachero, it was his first save in three appearances this season.
1B-Freddie Thon drove in two runs for Long Island tonight and was 2 for 4 in the game. LF-Kraig Binick was 3 for 5 (three singles) on the night. Ray Naverret had his second consecutive three-hit night (3 for 5) with a run scored. John Rodriguez, Matt Padget, and Dan Lyons had an RBI each for Long Island.
The Ducks avoided losing their third game in a row while gaining their third victory of the season. They are now 3-2 for the season. Tomorrow they'll play the rubber game of the series against the Camden River Sharks before going home for the first time this season and having their Season Opener on Friday against Bridgeport.
The Von Hayse managed Camden River Sharks are now 1-4 to start the season.
Mike.BTB
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