Staten Island Ferry Hawks Pluck Long Island Ducks

From the desks: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE & THAT RICHMOND COUNTY CLUB

EMPIRE STATE

BATTLE of the BIRDS

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Staten Island Ferry Hawks

Staten Island Evens Series With Long Island

After being shut out on Tuesday, left-handed Bronx native Anthony Rodriguez set Staten Island on a winning course in game two.  The Ferry Hawk starter kept Long Island scoreless on just two hits and one walk through the fifth inning.

Facing Duck right-hander Scott Harkin, the Ferry Hawks opened the scoring on designated hitter Joseph Reyes' double in the second.  Reyes then doubled home his second run of the game in the fourth.  In the fifth inning, Antoine Duplantis and Angel Aguilar each delivered home a run giving Staten Island a 4-0 lead.

Left fielder L.J. Mazzilli spoiled the shutout with a home run to left/center field, leading off the top of the sixth inning.  Reliever Sandy Baez then took over pitching duties for Long Island in the bottom of the sixth.

Right-hander Connor Law entered the game in the top of the seventh in relief of Anthony Rodriguez.  

Long Island's Chad Hockin entered the game in the bottom of the seventh and yielded a run-scoring double to Ricardo Cespedes, extending Staten Island's lead to four.

After a scoreless eighth, Staten Island's Victor Capellan closed out the ninth.  Anthony Rodriguez earned his second win of the season.  Scott Harkin took the loss.

• Boxscore: Ducks 1; Hawks 5
• Game One

Long Island Ducks Win Third Straight Against Staten Island Ferry Hawks

From the desks: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE & THAT RICHMOND COUNTY TEAM

BATTLE of NEW YORK

Staten Island Ferry Hawks

vs.

Long Island Ducks

Ducks Complete Three-Game Sweep of Ferry Hawks

The Ducks jumped out to an early lead.  Designated hitter Johnni Turbo led off the home first with a single and stole second base.  A single by right fielder Dustin Woodcock put runners at the corners.  Left fielder L.J. Mazzilli reached safely on an E-5, and Turbo scored on the play.

Long Island added a run in the third.  L.J. Mazzilli led off with a hit through the middle, and Deibinson Romero singled to left field putting runners at the corners.  Romero then scored on a Sam Travis 

sacrifice-fly to left.  The Ducks' rally ended abruptly when Alejandro De Aza bounced into a 4-6-3 double-play.

In the fourth, Long Island wielded four hits, two for extra bases, and drew two walks as part of a four-run inning and a 6-0 lead.  Staten Island right-hander and losing pitcher Alex Vargas got knocked out of the box, allowing six runs on seven hits and four walks in 3.2 innings pitched.  The Ferry Hawk bullpen then threw 4.1 scoreless innings of one-hit ball with six strikeouts.

Ferry Hawk left fielder Ben Ruta doubled and scored in the sixth and right fielder Rymer Liriano 

connected on a two-run home run in the ninth.

Right-hander Brett Kennedy yielded one run on five hits and no walks with seven strikeouts for the win.  Closer Sandy Baez was called upon to secure the final out in relief of James Varela for his third save.

The Long Island Ducks complete their first-ever series sweep against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks with the victory.  BOXSCORE

 

Long Island Ducks Win First Contest Against Staten Island Ferry Hawks

From the desks: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE & THAT RICHMOND COUNTY TEAM

BATTLE of NEW YORK

Staten Island Ferry Hawks

vs.

Long Island Ducks

First Meeting is a Classic; Ducks Outlast Ferry Hawks in Old-Fashioned Pitcher's Duel

A rivalry is born.  Tuesday, May 17, marked the first-ever game between New York's two independents, the Long Island Ducks and the expansion Staten Island Ferry Hawks.  

Mets fans are very familiar with the respective team managers.  Both are all-time favorites.  Second baseman for the 1986 champs, Wally Backman, is entering his fourth season as skipper of the Ducks.  Representing the 2000 N.L. champions, Edgardo Alfonzo was named the first manager in Ferry Hawks history.

The two Atlantic League teams inaugurated their rivalry with an old-fashioned pitcher's duel.  

Entering his third season with the Ducks, Brooklyn native Anderson DeLeon held the Ferry Hawks scoreless on four hits and one walk with four strikeouts through five innings pitched.  Southpaw Brady Feigl threw a scoreless sixth inning in relief of DeLeon.  Left-hander Cody Beckman entered the game in relief of Brady Feigl and tossed a scoreless top half of the seventh.

Staten Island right-hander Matt Solten yielded no runs on five hits and no walks with two strikeouts over his first six innings.  The Ducks loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth but left all runners stranded.  Long Island threatened again in the seventh, but Matt Solden induced shortstop Devin Marrero into an inning-ending 1-4-3 double play.

Wally Backman summoned Joe Iorio to pitch the top of the eighth and was rewarded with another scoreless frame.

Edgardo Alfonzo likewise turned to his bullpen, calling upon southpaw Chris Nunn in the bottom half of the eighth.

Second baseman Vladimir Frias led off with a bloop single to shallow right field.  Center fielder 

Alejandro De Aza advanced the runner.  First baseman Sam Travis reached safely on a strikeout/wild pitch, and Frias advanced to third.  Chris Nunn then walked Deibinson Romero to load the bases.  Designated hitter Rusney Castillo struck out looking.  With two outs, L.J. Mazzilli drew a base on balls to break the scoreless tie.

Long Island left-hander Tyler Webb was tasked with pitching the ninth and did not disappoint.  Staten Island put the tying run on second base but advanced no farther.

Joe Iorio earns the win, and Chris Nunn takes the loss.  BOXSCORE

L.I. Ducks: Home Run Happy Lexington Legends Clinch Atlantic League Championship

From the desk: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

LEXINGTON LEGENDS

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

GAME ONE    GAME TWO    GAME THREE

Lexington Left Fielder Courtney Hawkins Hits Three Home Runs in Rout of Ducks; Legends Clinch 2021 Atlantic League Championship

Faced with elimination and surrendering their claim to the Atlantic League title, the Ducks entrust Joe Iorio with starting Game Four against right-hander Zac Westcott for the Legends.  

But the Long Island native is walloped early and often by Lexington - too early for Wally Backman to make a move, and too late for all intent and purpose as the Legends explode for thirteen runs and deposit seven baseballs beyond the outfield wall.

The Legends promptly jump out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on back-to-back home runs by left fielder Courtney Hawkins and first baseman Denis Phipps.  

Long Island gets one back.  Left fielder L.J. Mazzilli leads off the second inning with a single and later scored on Chris Shaw's base hit to center field.  

But the Legends answer right back in the bottom of the frame.  Joe Iorio yeilds consecutive singles, and with one out, right fielder Ben Aklinski hits the Legends' third home run of the game.  Second baseman

Brandon Phillips then drives in the inning's fourth run for a 6-1 lead.

Joe Iorio exits the game after pitching a scoreless third.  He allows six earned runs on eight hits, including three home runs, and one walk.  

Duck right-hander Anderson DeLeon fares no better.  Lexington's lineup greets him with consecutive singles leading off the home fourth and a three-run home run off the bat of Courtney Hawkins, his second of the game.  Not yet done, designated hitter Ben Revere hits a one-out home run to deep right/center field, Lexington's fifth home run of the game for a 10-1 lead.

With one out in the top of the fifth, Boog Powell takes first base on a hit-by-pitch and later scores on Steve Lombardozzi's sacrifice fly.  

Right-hander Brendan Feldmann holds Lexington scoreless in the bottom half of the frame.

Leading off the home fifth inning, Courtney Hawkins hits his third home run of the game!  Then with one out and a runner on first, shortstop Roberto Baldoquín hits the Legends' seventh home run of the game giving Lexington an insurmountable 13-2 lead and their ultimate margin of victory.

The Ducks split the first two games at Long Island.  Afterwhich, the Legends take two straight at home.

After winning back-to-back titles in the South Atlantic League, the Lexington Legends in ther first season in the Atlantic League are 2021 champions.

L.I. Ducks: Late Rally Gives Lexington Legends 2-1 Championship Series Lead

From the desk: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

LEXINGTON LEGENDS

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

GAME ONE    GAME TWO

Failure to Convert Early Inning Opportunities Comes Back to Haunt Ducks; Legends Seize 2-1 Series Lead With Eighth Inning Rally

With Lexington, Kentucky, hosting their first-ever Atlantic League championship series game, Game Three pits right-hander Scott Harkin for Long Island against J.J. Hoover pitching for the Legends.

SCORING OPPORTUNITIES LOST

The Ducks threaten early but keep coming up empty.  They load the bases in the first but leave all runners stranded.  Catcher Hector Sanchez doubles with one out in the second and advances to third but is also left stranded.  Then with two outs in the third and Vladimir Frias, the base runner at second, L.J. Mazzilli singled to left field, but Frias is thrown out at home attempting to score.

As fate would have it, Lexington opens the scoring on catcher Christian Correa's home run leading off the bottom half of the third.

DUCKS TWICE OVERCOME DEFICIT

After getting set down in the fourth, center fielder Boog Powell ties the game in the fifth with his second home run of the playoffs.

But Lexington retakes the lead with two runs in the home sixth on a walk, a fielder's choice, a wild pitch, and Juan Silverio's two-run base hit.

Scott Harkin exits on the losing side after allowing three runs on four hits and three walks with six strikeouts through six.  Meanwhile, J.J. Hoover leaves on the winning side, allowing one run on just four hits and two walks through six innings.

Long Island's Dylan Peiffer and Henry Owens for Lexington twirl a scoreless seventh.

With two outs in the eighth, L.J. Mazzilli singles, and Deibinson Romero ties the game with a two-run blast to left field.

BULLPEN IMPLOSION

Wally Backman turns to Frank Moscatiello, who pitched well in Game Two for the bottom of the eighth.  After retiring his first two batters, Moscatiello walks the next batter prompting another change by Backman.  But Wally's maneuverings backfire.  Southpaw Darrell Thompson yields three consecutive hits as the Legends plate three runs en route to a 6-3 lead and the final margin of victory.

Frank Moscatiello takes the loss for walking the potential go-ahead run.  Scott Harkin escapes with a no-decision.  Henry Owens earns the victory in relief of Hoover, and Austin Adams earns his second save.

• BOXSCORE

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

From the desk: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

LEXINGTON LEGENDS

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

GAME ONE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• BOXSCORE

L.I. Ducks: Lexington Legends Take Game One of Championship Series at The Pond

From the desk: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

LEXINGTON LEGENDS

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

Lexington Legends Bullpen Lockdown Ducks

Game One features New Jersey native Eli Garcia toeing the rubber for Lexington against right-hander

Brendan Feldmann for the Ducks.  Both pitchers are knocked out of the box early.  Garcia fails to make it out of the third, and Feldmann is relieved in the fourth.

Lexington opens with single runs in the first and second innings.  Legend left fielder Courtney Hawkins

homered in the first.  Two hits and a hit by pitch loaded the bases in the second, and a sac-fly gave Lexington a 2-0 lead.  

Long Island catcher Hector Sanchez singles opening the home third, and a pair of walks issued to Ty Kelly and Boog Powell loaded the bases.  With one out, Steve Lombardozzi's sac-fly to right field scores Sanchez.  Left fielder Lew Ford singles on a comebacker and advances two bases on an errant throw to first; both Kelly and Powell score.  Right-fielder L.J. Mazzilli then singles home Ford for a 4-2 Ducks lead.

But Long Island's lead is fleeting.

Brendan Feldmann surrenders a leadoff double, followed by two consecutive walks to load the bases in the top of the fourth.  Wally Backman then summons Anderson DeLeon from the bullpen, who promptly unleashes a wild pitch allowing home a run.  A second run crosses home on a sac-fly, tying the game at four.  Both runs are charged to Feldmann.

The Lexington bullpen shuts out the Ducks, beginning in the fourth through eighth innings.  Meanwhile, the Legends bunch together three hits and benefit from a throwing error resulting in two runs in the sixth, then tack on their seventh run in the eighth.

Trailing 7-4 entering the home ninth, Boog Powell draws a leadoff walk, and shortstop Vladimir Frias singles putting runners at the corners.  Steve Lombardozzi looks at strike three, and Lew Ford goes down swinging.  L.J. Mazzilli walks to load the bases, after which Deibinson Romero draws yet another walk to force home Powell from third.  With two outs and the bases still jammed with Ducks, designated hitter Chris Shaw lifts a ball deep into the right/center gap chased down and caught by center fielder Cole Sturgeon for the game's final out.

Four members of Lexington's bullpen join together in limiting the Ducks to one run on five hits and five walks with three strikeouts over the final 6.1 innings.  Shawn Blackwell earns the win in relief of Garcia, and Austin Adams earns a troublesome save, but a save nonetheless.

Duck right-hander Dylan Peiffer takes the loss.

BOXSCORE

L.I. Ducks: With Game Three Win Over Southern Maryland, The Flock Advances to Championship Series

From the desk: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

NORTH DIVISION PLAYOFF

SOUTHERN MARYLAND BLUE CRABS

vs.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

GAME ONE     GAME TWO

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

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

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

 

Ducks Defeat Southern Maryland Blue Crabs to Clinch North Division Flag; Long Island To Face Lexington Legends in Championship Series

Game Three at Southern Maryland features Blue Crab right-hander Daryl Thompson, who led the Atlantic League with a 16-3 record and 3.20 ERA, against Long Island native Joe Iorio who placed second in league with 13 wins against two losses with a 4.65 ERA.

The Ducks rally during the early innings.  

Center fielder Boog Powell opens the game with a base on balls.  Steve Lombardozzi follows with a single to left field, and with two outs, L.J. Mazzilli knocks in Powell.  

First baseman Chris Shaw doubles leading off the second and moves to third on Hector Sanchez's

single to left field.  Shaw then scored on Ty Kelly's sac-fly.  Afterwhich, Zach Collier's misplay in center field clears the way for Sanchez to cross home.  

Steve Lombardozzi and the ageless Lew Ford wield consecutive singles to open the third, and with runners at the corners, Mazzilli's sac-fly to center field gives Long Island a 4-0 lead.

Southern Maryland finally catches up to Joe Iorio in the fifth.  With two outs, Iorio yields two walks and two hits that result in a pair of runs.

Long Island recovers a run in the top of the sixth on Chris Shaw's second home run of the playoffs.  But the Blue Crabs snap right back with two more runs in the bottom half of the frame and knock Joe Iorio out of the box.  Right-hander Brady Dragmire finishes out the sixth.

Southpaw Darrell Thompson hurls a scoreless seventh inning.  Wally Backman then summons Rob Griswold, who twirls a scoreless eighth.  Blue Crab shortstop Jordan Howard, who ended the frame on a comebacker to Griswold, got into a shouting match with the entire Ducks dugout, causing both benches to empty without incident.

The Ducks are set down in order in the top of the ninth as Blue Crab reliever Endrys Briceno completes a second scoreless inning in relief.

Rob Griswold goes back out for the ninth.  With one out, Chris Shaw fails to handle Rubi Silva's liner to first for an error.  But the Ducks close out the game in spectacular fashion when Zach Collier grounds into a 6-4-3 double play, Vladimir Frias, to Lombardozzi, to Shaw.

Griswold earns a six-out save.  Joe Iorio earns the win, allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks with four strikeouts.  Three Long Island bullpen members join together in limiting the Blue Crabs to no runs on one hit and one walk with two strikeouts over the final 3.1 innings.

In defeating the league's winningest pitcher, the Long Islanders win the North Division flag two games against one and advance to their fifth consecutive Atlantic League championship series.  

The Ducks will now defend their 2019 title against the awaiting Lexington Legends. 

BOXSCORE

Long Island Ducks Are 2019 Atlantic League Champions

From the desk of: THE WEBBED CHAMPIONS NINE

GONNA NEED A NEW SIGN

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME FIVE
Ducks      8

Skeeters  4

FINAL

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2004           2012           2013

2019

A dominant season comes to an appropriate end.  The Ducks sweep the Liberty Division standings this season, winning both the first and second half pennants.  They win an all-time Ducks record 86 games during the regular season.  Then go on to defeat the High Point Rockers in the first round of playoffs to capture their fourth straight Liberty Division championship.

After bowing to the Skeeters in the 2016 Atlantic League championship series, then losing again last season to the Skeeters in five games, the Long Island Ducks win their fourth ever Atlantic League championship and their first since winning back-to-back titles during the 2012-2013 seasons.

They split games one and two at Bethpage Ballpark.  Long Island then loses game three at Constellation Field.  In game four on Saturday, the Ducks win their first ever playoff game at Sugar Land.  On Sunday they gain their most glorious of all victories on Texas soil.

• BOXSCORE: Sunday, October 6, 2019 - ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Sugar Land starter Mike Hauschild pitches himself into immediate trouble.  He commits one of the cardinal sins of baseball: walking Vladimir Frias leading off the game.  Frias steals second then advances to third on Steve Lombardozzi's sacrifice bunt.  With one out Hauschild hits Lew Ford with a pitch, then walks L.J. Mazzilli to load the bases.  After a mound visit, Hauschild walks Hector Sanchez forcing in the game's first run.  But the Skeeters escape further damage when Deibinson Romero bounces into an inning ending 5-2-3 double-play.

In the bottom of the second Skeeters designated hitter Denis Phipps homers to left tying the score at one.

With two runners in scoring position and one out in the third, Deibinson Romero redeems himself with a line single to left scoring Lew Ford and L.J. Mazzilli.  In the fifth, runs batted in by Hector Sanchez and Deibinson Romero respectively widen Long Island's lead by four.

Leading off the bottom of the seventh, Skeeters right fielder Zach Borenstein singles off the leg of Ducks starter Vin Mazzaro.  Mazzaro strikes out the next batter, but manager Backman elects to remove his pitcher anyway.  Joe Iorio closes out the inning but not before Sugar Land reduces their deficit to three.  That is until David Washington manufactures his own run in the top of the eighth with a lead off base hit, a stolen base, then advancing and scoring on sacrifice flies for a 6-2 Ducks lead.

With one out and one on in the bottom half of the eighth, Wally Backman summons Cody Mincey from the bullpen.  Two walks, two stolen bases, a fielder's choice, and one wild pitch later Sugar Land makes it a 6-4 game.  But it's too little too late.  Deibinson Romero punctuates Long Island's triumph in the top of the ninth with a two run home run to deep left/center off Skeeters reliever Matt West.  Cody Mincey adds the finishing touch in the bottom of the frame by striking out the side.

Infielders converge, outfielders come darting in, the rest of the Ducks come busting out of the dugout as the bullpen empties with haste en route to a jubilant celebration taking place just in front of the pitchers mound.

Vin Mazzaro yields two runs, one earned, on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts through 6.1 innings for his third victory of the playoffs.  The one man gang Deibinson Romero ends the night 2 for 4 with a home run and five runs batted in.  Hector Sanchez goes 1 for 2 with two walks and two runs batted in.  The ageless one Lew Ford goes 2 for 3 with a walk and three runs scored.

The Ducks Exact Their Revenge!

Long Island Ducks Force Decisive Game Five at Sugar Land

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Series Tied; 2-2

I - LID 7; SLS 5

II - SLS 7; LID 0

III - SLS 7; LID 5

IV - LIC 3; SLS 2

ATLANTIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME FIVE

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Sugar Land Skeeters

FROM

LONE STAR STATE

The Atlantic League championship series is now a one game affair to be decided Sunday evening at Constellation Field.

After two straight losses, manager Wally Backman tasks Brandon Beachy with staving off elimination.  He is opposed by Sugar Land starter Chase De John.

Seeking out a third straight victory, the Skeeters waste no time mounting an opening rally.  After consecutive hits leading off the first, designated hitter Denis Phipps clears the bases with a triple for an abrupt 2-0 lead.  Undeterred Long Island recovers a run in the third on hits from Deibinson Romero, Vladimir Frias, and D'Arby Myers.  The Skeeter maintain their slim one run edge until L.J. Mazzilli doubles leading off the sixth, then scores on David Washington's two out line drive single to right.

After a well pitched duel, both starters exit to no decisions.  Chase De John yields two earned runs on eight hits and no walks with four strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.  Brandon Beachy likewise allows two earned runs on six hits with one walk and seven strikeouts through six full.  He faces 25 batters, while throwing 88 pitches with 59 (67%) going for strikes.  Three Skeeters relievers join to hurl 3.1 scoreless innings through the ninth.  Joe Iorio matches them with three scoreless innings of no-hit ball and three strikeouts.

And into extra innings they go at Sugar Land ...

With reliever Josh Martin summoned to pitch the tenth, L.J. Mazzilli strokes a one out single, then steals second base.  Hector Sanchez reaches safely on a fielder's choice when Josh Martin fields a come-backer but botches the throw.  With runners on the corners Deibinson Romero's sac-fly to center plates Mazzilli with the go-ahead run.  Wally Backman hands of to Cody Mincey whom fans his first two batters and induces a pop out to first base ending the game.  Joe Iorio earns the victory, while Mincey secures his second save of the series.

For s second straight season, the Long Island Ducks and Sugar Land Skeeters push the championship series to a fifth and deciding game.

• ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Long Island Ducks Capture Fourth Straight Liberty Division Flag

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Ducks defeat Rockers; 3-0

I - LID 8; HPR 7

II - LID 8; HPR 1

III - LID 3; HPR 2

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONS

STARTER SETH SIMMONS HURLS GEM; DUCKS COMPLETE THREE GAME SWEEP

There's a reason why in baseball circles they say get to good pitchers early before they get you.  Because once they settle in, you're done.  Those words never rang more true than Friday evening at Bethpage Ballpark.

High Point starter Joe Van Meter enters game three recognized among the Atlantic League's best.  But the Ducks waste little time staking their lead.  With two outs in the bottom of the first, Lew Ford singles through the left side, L.J. Mazzilli doubles to left, and with two runners in scoring position Hector Sanchez clears the bases with a hit to center putting Long Island up by two.  Van Meter then retires the next seven batters until yielding a inconsequential single to Mazzilli in the fourth.  Van Meters then retires another twelve consecutive batters.  After which thing go awry as the Ducks pick up what proves to be the game's decisive run.  With one out in the last half of the eighth Van Meter yields consecutive singles to D'Arby Myers, Rey Fuentes and Vladimir Frias, loading the bases.  Steve Lombardozzi then lofts a sac-fly to right scoring Myers.

Rockers second baseman Michael Russell triples leading off the fifth, and scores on designated hitter  Tyler Ladendorf's ground ball to first.  In the top half of the ninth Ducks reliever Cody Mincey surrenders a crowd quieting lead-off home run to left fielder Quincy Latimore cutting High Point's deficit to one.  But Mincey regroups to retire the next three batters, striking out Tyler Ladendorf to end the game and earn the save.  Long Island starter Seth Simmons pitches masterfully, allowing one earned run on just two hits and two walks with nine strikeouts through seven innings for the victory.  He faces 27 batters and throws 109 pitches with 72 going for strikes. 

The victory gives the Long Island Ducks their fourth straight Liberty Division championship.

So far it's been a very happy 20th anniversary season!  Now it's on to the championship series.

L.I. Ducks Sweep First Two Road Games at High Point

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Ducks lead Rockers; 2-0

I - LID 8; HPR 7

II - LID 8; HPR 1

FRIDAY

High Point Rockers

vs.

Long Island Ducks

FROM

THE POND

DUCKS STARTER VIN MAZZARO TOSSES GEM

Unlike Tuesday's harrowing experience, the Long Island Ducks have an easier time handling the Rockers on Wednesday, rolling to an 8-1 victory and completing a two game road sweep at BB&T Point.  The series now shifts 600 miles away to Bethpage Ballpark on Long Island where the Ducks beginning Friday will have three chances to win one game and punch a fourth straight ticket to the Atlantic League championship series.

A hit by Richie Shaffer leading off the second, a one-out hit by Myles Schroder, and a throwing error by Ducks catcher Hector Sanchez lead to High Point's first (unearned) run of the game.  It would also be High Point's last.  Long Island starter Vin Mazzaro faces 30 batters, throwing 109 pitches with 68 going for strikes.  He allows no earned runs on just two hits and four walks with ten strikeouts in a brilliant eight inning winning performance.  Reliever Brian Matusz pitches a scoreless ninth inning to close out Long Island's second straight victory on the road.

L.J. Mazzilli is 2 for 5 with a home run and two runs batted in.  The ageless Lew Ford goes 3 for 5 with a double and to runs batted in.  Steve Lombardozzi triples in four at-bats, and rounds out a trio of Ducks with two runs batted.  Rey Fuentes and Dan Fields each drive in a run apiece.

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

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks lead Rockers; 1-0

I - LID 8; HPR 7

LIBERTY DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Game Two

Long Island Ducks

vs.

High Point Rockers

FROM

A Ballpark 600 Miles Away

NORTH CAROLINA

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

• ATLANTIC LEAGUE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Long Island Ducks 2019 Liberty Division Series Preview

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LIBERTY DIVISION 

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

I - @ H.P.

II - @ H.P

III - @ L.I.

*IV- @ L.I.

*V - @ L.I.

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

vs.

HIGH POINT ROCKERS

FROM

BB&T Point

NORTH CAROLINA

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

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

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

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

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

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

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

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

HIGH POINT ROCKERS

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

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

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

ATLANTIC LEAGUE RANKING

MOUND

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

PLATE

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

Freedom Division Series 

Sugar Land Skeeters vs. York Revolution

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

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

From the desk of: THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

Ducks lead Blue Crabs; 2-0

I - LID 1; SMD 0

II - LID 2; SMD 1

Long Island Ducks

vs.

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

FROM

Waldorf Grounds

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

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

Do the math ...

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

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

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

Long Island Ducks Forge First Place Tie With High Point Rockers

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

LIBERTY DIVISION SHOWDOWN

Ducks @ Rockers tied 1-1

I - HPR 6; LID 1

II - LID 4; HPR 2

GAME THREE

Long Island Ducks (18-16)

vs.

High Point Rockers (19-17)

FROM

BB&T Point Ballpark

Were it not for High Point yielding an unearned run in game one, the Ducks get shut out.  Even then recently acquired Ducks starting pitcher Brian Matusz fails to put fourth a quality start, surrendering three earned runs on three hits (including a home run) and five walks with three strikeouts through four innings pitched.  Third baseman Deibenson Romero accounts for three of Long Island's six game hits during Friday's 6-1 loss to the Rockers.

On Saturday Joe Iorio toes the rubber and is opposed by High Point starter Dominic DeMasi.  Staked to a 2-0 lead, the Rockers hurler keeps Long Island off the board through five.  But the Ducks break through with a pair in the sixth on Clint Freeman's double, D'Arby Myers hit, and an RBI each from L.J. Mazzilli and Lew Ford.  Dominic DeMasi exits a tie game after yielding two runs on seven hits and no walks with five strikeouts through eight full innings pitched.  With two on and one out in the top of the ninth, a throwing error by High Point first basemen clears the way for two more Long Island runs and eventual 4-2 final margin of victory.  Paul Clemens pitching in relief of DeMasi is charged with the loss.  Long Island's bullpen trio of Cody Mincey, Pedro Beato, and Michael Tonkin, join together on 3.2 scoreless innings of one-hit ball with one walk and two strikeouts.  Beato wins his third game, and Tonkin earns his seventh save.

With the victory Long Island both evens their weekend series and forges a first place tie with their hosts, the High Point Rockers.  The Ducks also snap a personal four game losing streak against the Rockers.  In fact, it is only their fifth victory over High Point this season in fifteen meetings to date.  Yet, the winner of Sunday's rubber game claims sole possession of first place, even if only for a day.  These team meet a final time for the last three scheduled games of the regular season at Bethpage Ballpark. 

Need I say more ...