Long Island Ducks Game Recap

DUCKS FIGHT TO THE END

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Long Island battles but falls short in series clincher

(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 29, 2009) – The 2009 season came to an end for Long Island on Tuesday night, as the Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 7-5, in Game Five of the Liberty Division playoffs. The win gave the Blue Crabs a 3-2 series win and a berth in the Atlantic League Championship Series.

The Crabs jumped on top early with three runs in the top of the first inning off Ducks’ starter Troy Cate. Patrick Osborn’s RBI sacrifice fly and Michael Tucker’s two-run homer did the damage. Four more runs in the fourth helped Southern Maryland extend their lead to 7-0. RBI doubles by John Ramistella and Mike Just highlighted the inning.

Long Island inched closer with a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth off Crabs’ starter John Halama. Johnny Hernandez’ RBI single in the fourth and two errors in the fifth pushed the score to 7-3.

The Ducks rallied in the ninth, plating two runs on a Ray Navarrete single and brought the winning run to the plate in Raul Gonzalez. With Franklin Gracesqui summoned from the bullpen, the lefty struck out Gonzalez and nailed down the save.

John Halama (2-0) picked up the win, firing seven and two-thirds innings, yielding one earned run, while punching out eight. Cate (0-2) suffered the loss surrendering seven runs in three and one-third innings.

The loss ends another successful season for the Long Island Ducks. The Flock once again enjoyed the best attendance in the league, with an average of 6,014 fans packing 6,002-seat Citibank Park each night. The Ducks finished with an overall record of 74-66, and went 40-30 on their home field. Long Island clinched the second half Liberty Division title, becoming the only team in Atlantic League history to qualify for the playoffs six years in a row.

The Long Island Ducks will be back in 2010, ready to bring the fans and families of Long Island the best, most affordable summer family entertainment around. The Ducks sincerely thank each and every fan for their support this season, and look forward to sharing another great season next year. Stay tuned to www.liducks.com throughout the off-season for all the latest news from Citibank Park, including community appearances and 2010 ticket plans.

Duck Tales… The Ducks had played two previous deciding games in the playoffs. Game Three of the 2004 North Division Championship Series beating the Nashua Pride 1-0 at Citibank Park. Also, in Game Three of the 2005 North Division Championship Series, Long Island lost to the Nashua Pride 4-3 at Historic Holman Stadium in Nashua, New Hampshire…Ray Navarrete led the Ducks with nine hits in the series…The Ducks were vying to become the second team in Atlantic League history to lose the first two games of a best-of-five series and rally to win the next three. In the 2001 Atlantic League Championship Series, Somerset lost the first two games to Newark but rallied to win the next three straight and claim their first title.

###

GAME DATE:  9/29/09
SOUTHERN MARYLAND  7 AT LONG ISLAND  5  
 YTD   YTD
SOUTHERN MARYLAND  AB  R  H BI   AVG  LONG ISLANDAB  R  H BI   AVG
J.Ramistella RF 4  2  2  1  .423  J.Francia 2B/SS 5  1  2  1  .241  
J.Shanks LF 5  1  2  0  .333  R.Navarrete 2B/LF   4  0  2  3  .440  
T.Garcia SS 5  1  1  1  .250  R.Gonzalez DH   5  0  0  0  .143  
P.Osborn 3B 4  0  1  1  .190  G.Lombard RF4  0  1  0  .360  
M.Tucker DH 3  1  2  2  .294  J.Hernandez CF  4  0  1  1  .333  
C.Nicolas 1B3  0  1  1  .333  F.Thon 1B   4  1  0  0  .200  
J.Owens CF  5  1  1  0  .250  A.Prieto SS 0  0  0  0  .417  
O.Martinez CAT  4  0  1  0  .200  E.Harris LF 2  1  1  0  .444  
M.Just 2B   4  1  3  1  .500  R.Sandora CAT   1  0  0  0  .125  
J.Halama PIT0  0  0  0  .000  J.Pachot PH/CAT 3  1  0  0  .083  
D.De La Rosa PIT0  0  0  0  .000  M.Cavagnaro 3B  4  1  1  0  .273  
Suzuki PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  T.Cate PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  
F.Gracesqui PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  J.Olson PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
  J.Brower PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
  J.Valentine PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
  B.Simas PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
TOTALS 37  7 14  7TOTALS 36  5  8  5
SOUTHERN MARYLAND3 0 0   4 0 0   0 0 0- 7 14  3
LONG ISLAND  0 0 0   1 2 0   0 0 2- 5  8  0
E--T.Garcia 2, P.Osborn. DP--SOUTHERN MARYLAND 2, LONG ISLAND 1. 
LOB--SOUTHERN MARYLAND 10, LONG ISLAND 7. 2B--J.Ramistella (3), 
C.Nicolas (2), M.Just (2). HR--M.Tucker (2). CS--P.Osborn. SF--
P.Osborn. SH--O.Martinez. 
YTD
 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR ERA
 SOUTHERN MARYLAND
J.Halama (W,3-0)7.2   5   3   1   3   8   00.77
D.De La Rosa0.1   0   0   0   0   1   00.00
Suzuki  0.2   3   2   0   0   0   00.00
F.Gracesqui (S,2)   0.1   0   0   0   0   1   0   21.60
 LONG ISLAND
T.Cate (L,0-3)  3.1   9   7   7   2   2   1   10.66
J.Olson 0.1   1   0   0   2   1   00.00
J.Brower1.1   1   0   0   0   0   00.00
J.Valentine 2.0   2   0   0   1   2   00.00
B.Simas 2.0   1   0   0   0   2   00.00
WP--J.Halama. SO--T.Garcia 2, P.Osborn 2, M.Tucker, C.Nicolas, 
O.Martinez, R.Gonzalez 3, G.Lombard 2, J.Hernandez 2, F.Thon, E.Harris, 
J.Pachot. BB--J.Ramistella, M.Tucker 2, C.Nicolas 2, R.Navarrete, 
A.Prieto 2. 
T--3:14.  A--4265

DUCKS WIN, EVEN SERIES AT TWO

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Set franchise-record for runs in playoff game

(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 27, 2009) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Sunday night 15-5 in Game Four of their best-of-five Liberty Division Championship Series. The series is now tied 2-2 with a decisive Game Five scheduled for Tuesday at Citibank Park.

Game Audio: Johnny Hernandez gets the Ducks rolling.

Game Audio: Manager Gary Carter speaks about upcoming Game Five.

Long Island wasted no time breaking out for five runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Ducks batted around using four hits and three walks to take the early lead. Johnny Hernandez’ two-run single was the big blow of the frame.

A Southern Maryland four-spot in the top of the fourth off Ducks’ starter Julio Manon pushed the score to 5-4. Cesar Nicolas’ three-run dinger highlighted the inning.

For the second time in four innings, the Flock batted around while putting up a five-spot. Five runs on six hits in the last of the fourth, including RBI doubles by Estee Harris and Hernandez helped push the Ducks’ advantage to 10-4. Two more runs in the home half of the sixth inning increased Long Island’s lead to 12-4. A Freddie Thon RBI single in the seventh and two unearned runs in the eighth helped the Ducks extend their lead to 15-4.

Manon (1-0) earned the win, firing six innings, yielding five hits and three earned runs, while striking out five. Southern Maryland starter Ryan Bicondoa (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing nine hits and seven earned runs in three-plus innings. Jake Dittler earned the save with three innings of relief.

Long Island and Southern Maryland continue their series on Tuesday with the winner to advance to the Atlantic League Championship Series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., with the Citibank Park gates opening at 5:35 p.m. For a complete list of upcoming playoff games at Citibank Park CLICK HERE. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Casey Lynn and Chris King calling the play-by-play. Tickets to Ducks playoff games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

Duck Tales…Eight Ducks (Cavagnaro, Francia, Navarrete, Hernandez, Harris, Prieto, Thon and George Lombard) had multi-hit games in the contest. Navarrete led the club with 46 multi-hit games in the regular season…Long Island banged out 20 hits, including four doubles. The Flock smashed 243 two-baggers on the season…Eight out of the nine batters in the Ducks’ starting lineup had at least one base hit. With three innings of relief, Jake Dittler continued the dominance of the Ducks’ bullpen in the series. Long Island relievers have yet to allow an earned run through the first four games.

###

GAME DATE:  9/27/09
SOUTHERN MARYLAND  5 AT LONG ISLAND 15  
 YTD   YTD
SOUTHERN MARYLAND  AB  R  H BI   AVG  LONG ISLANDAB  R  H BI   AVG
J.Ramistella RF 5  1  2  0  .389  J.Francia 2B/SS 5  1  2  0  .158  
J.Shanks LF 4  0  1  0  .294  R.Navarrete 2B/LF   6  3  2  0  .412  
T.Garcia SS 5  1  2  0  .278  N.Jackson CF1  1  0  0  .143  
P.Osborn 3B 3  1  0  0  .154  A.Prieto SS 3  2  2  0  .417  
M.Just 2B   1  0  1  0  .167  G.Lombard LF/RF 6  2  4  2  .412  
M.Tucker 1B 5  1  1  1  .091  J.Hernandez CF/RF   5  2  2  4  .400  
C.Nicolas DH3  1  2  3  .333  F.Thon 1B   5  2  3  2  .333  
B.Krause PR 0  0  0  0  .000  E.Harris DH 4  1  2  1  .400  
J.Owens CF  4  0  2  0  .286  J.Pachot CAT3  1  1  2  .167  
O.Martinez CAT  4  0  0  0  .143  M.Cavagnaro 3B  4  0  2  2  .286  
C.Jeroloman 2B/3B   4  0  0  0  .125  J.Manon PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
R.Bicondoa PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  J.Dittler PIT   0  0  0  0  .000  
M.James PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
M.Righter PIT   0  0  0  0  .000  
J.Gannon PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
TOTALS 38  5 11  4TOTALS 42 15 20 13
SOUTHERN MARYLAND0 0 0   4 0 0   0 0 1- 5 11  2
LONG ISLAND  5 0 0   5 0 2   1 2 X-15 20  2
E--J.Owens, J.Gannon, J.Pachot, M.Cavagnaro. DP--SOUTHERN MARYLAND 0, 
LONG ISLAND 1. LOB--SOUTHERN MARYLAND 9, LONG ISLAND 11. 2B--A.Prieto (2), 
J.Hernandez (2), E.Harris 2 (2), M.Cavagnaro (1). HR--C.Nicolas (1). 
SB--J.Owens (2). SF--J.Pachot 2. 
YTD
 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR ERA
 SOUTHERN MARYLAND
R.Bicondoa (L,0-1)  3.0   9   8   7   4   2   0   21.00
M.James 0.2   3   2   2   1   0   0   27.00
M.Righter   1.2   3   2   2   0   1   0   10.80
J.Gannon2.2   5   3   1   1   1   03.38
 LONG ISLAND
J.Manon (W,1-0) 6.0   5   4   3   3   5   14.50
J.Dittler (S,1) 3.0   6   1   0   0   2   00.00
WP--J.Dittler. SO--J.Ramistella, J.Shanks, T.Garcia, M.Tucker, 
J.Owens 2, C.Jeroloman, J.Francia, R.Navarrete, E.Harris 2. BB--
J.Shanks, P.Osborn, C.Nicolas, J.Francia, N.Jackson, A.Prieto, 
J.Hernandez, E.Harris, M.Cavagnaro. 
T--3:11.  A--4096

DUCKS BOIL CRABS

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Ducks extend series with come-from-behind win

(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 26, 2009) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Saturday night 7-4 in Game Three of their best-of-five Liberty Division Championship Series. The Blue Crabs now lead the series 2-1 with Game Four scheduled for Sunday at Citibank Park.

Game Audio: Ray Navarrete gives the Ducks their first lead of series.
Game Audio: Juan Francia's game-winning hit.

Southern Maryland grabbed an early 2-0 lead with two runs in the top of the first inning off Long Island starter Randy Leek. Travis Garcia’s RBI single and Jeremy Owens’ RBI sacrifice fly did the damage.

The Ducks cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the second as Matt Cavagnaro’s two-out RBI single pushed the score to 2-1. Cavagnaro wasn’t finished as he tied up the contest in the last of the fourth with a sacrifice fly to tie the game at two.

Long Island took their first lead of the game and the series with as Ray Navarrete delivered a solo homer over the left field wall in the fifth to give the Ducks a 3-2 lead. The lead didn’t last long as the Crabs put up a two-spot in the top of the seventh. John Ramistella’s solo homer tied the game up at three and Cesar Nicolas’ RBI single gave Southern Maryland the lead.

The back and forth game continued when the Ducks regained the lead in the bottom of the eighth with a four-spot. Juan Francia’s two-run single gave the Flock a 6-4 advantage, while Navarrete’s RBI single increased the lead to 7-4.

Joe Valentine (1-0) picked up the win in relief, tossing one and one-third innings, allowing one hit and no runs. Franklin Gracesqui (0-1) suffered the loss for the Crabs, allowing three hits and four runs. Billy Simas nailed down the save with a scoreless ninth.

Long Island and Southern Maryland continue their series on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m., with the Citibank Park gates opening at 2:05 p.m. For a complete list of upcoming playoff games at Citibank Park CLICK HERE. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com and on 1440 AM WNYG, with Casey Lynn and Chris King calling the play-by-play.Tickets to Ducks playoff games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

Duck Tales…Today marked the five-year anniversary of the Ducks clinching their first-ever Atlantic League Championship, a 4-3 win over the Camden Riversharks…Ray Navarrete’s home run was his first ever playoff dinger as a Duck. The Ducks have hit two homers in the series…The Ducks’ win breaks a 10-game losing streak in the playoffs, with the last win coming 2005 against the Nashua Pride.

###

GAME DATE:  9/26/09
SOUTHERN MARYLAND  4 AT LONG ISLAND  7  
 YTD   YTD
SOUTHERN MARYLAND  AB  R  H BI   AVG  LONG ISLANDAB  R  H BI   AVG
J.Ramistella RF 5  2  2  1  .385  J.Francia 2B5  0  1  2  .071  
J.Shanks DH 4  0  0  0  .308  R.Navarrete 1B  3  1  2  2  .455  
T.Garcia SS 5  2  2  1  .231  N.Jackson CF4  0  0  0  .154  
P.Osborn 3B 2  0  0  0  .200  R.Gonzalez DH   3  1  0  0  .273  
C.Nicolas 1B3  0  1  1  .222  G.Lombard LF4  1  2  0  .273  
J.Owens CF  3  0  0  1  .200  J.Hernandez RF  4  2  2  1  .400  
R.Giannotti LF  4  0  1  0  .250  A.Prieto SS 3  2  2  0  .333  
L.Burkhart CAT  4  0  1  0  .143  R.Sandora CAT   4  0  1  0  .167  
O.Martinez CAT  0  0  0  0  .333  M.Cavagnaro 3B  3  0  1  2  .200  
M.Just 2B   3  0  0  0  .000  R.Leek PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  
M.Tucker PH 1  0  0  0  .000  J.Brower PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
C.Jeroloman PR/2B   0  0  0  0  .250  J.Valentine PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
K.Ramsey PIT0  0  0  0  .000  B.Simas PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
M.Schweitzer PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
D.De La Rosa PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
F.Gracesqui PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
Suzuki PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  
TOTALS 34  4  7  4TOTALS 33  7 11  7
SOUTHERN MARYLAND2 0 0   0 0 0   2 0 0- 4  7  0
LONG ISLAND  0 1 0   1 1 0   0 4 X- 7 11  2
E--J.Francia, M.Cavagnaro. DP--SOUTHERN MARYLAND 0, LONG ISLAND 0. 
LOB--SOUTHERN MARYLAND 9, LONG ISLAND 7. 2B--J.Ramistella (1), 
L.Burkhart (1), J.Hernandez (1). HR--J.Ramistella (1), R.Navarrete (1). 
SB--R.Gonzalez (1). HBP--R.Navarrete. SF--J.Owens, M.Cavagnaro. 
SH--J.Shanks. 
YTD
 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR ERA
 SOUTHERN MARYLAND
K.Ramsey5.0   6   3   3   2   4   15.40
M.Schweitzer1.0   0   0   0   0   0   00.00
D.De La Rosa1.0   0   0   0   0   1   00.00
F.Gracesqui (L,0-1) 0.0   3   4   4   1   0   0   36.00
Suzuki  1.0   2   0   0   0   1   00.00
 LONG ISLAND
R.Leek  6.2   5   4   3   3   5   14.05
J.Brower0.0   1   0   0   1   0   00.00
J.Valentine (W,1-0) 1.1   1   0   0   0   0   00.00
B.Simas (S,1)   1.0   0   0   0   0   1   00.00
HB--K.Ramsey. SO--T.Garcia 2, C.Nicolas, R.Giannotti 2, M.Just, 
R.Navarrete, G.Lombard 2, J.Hernandez, R.Sandora 2. BB--P.Osborn 3, 
C.Nicolas, R.Navarrete, R.Gonzalez, A.Prieto. 
T--3:09.  A--4739

CRABS EDGE DUCKS

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Ducks rally but come up short in Game Two

(Waldorf, M.D, Sept. 25, 2009) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Friday night 5-4 in Game Two of their best-of-five Liberty Division Championship series. The Blue Crabs now lead the series 2-0 with Game Three scheduled for Saturday at Citibank Park.

Southern Maryland cracked the scoreboard in the bottom of the second frame off Ducks’ starter Ken Ray. Three runs on four base hits, highlighted by a two-run triple by James Shanks gave the Crabs a 3-0 advantage. Two more runs in the last of the fifth increased Southern Maryland's lead to 5-0. RBI singles by Jeremy Owens and Shanks did the damage.

Long Island jumped on the board with two runs in the top of the sixth inning. Matt Cavagnaro’s solo homer over the right field wall and Ray Navarrete’s two-out RBI single cut the deficit to 5-2.

The Ducks rallied with one run in the eighth and entered the ninth frame down 5-3 against Crabs’ closer Mac Suzuki. Two errors helped the Ducks cut the lead to 5-4 and brought the tying run to third base with one out. However, Nic Jackson struck out on a 2-2 pitch and Juan Francia grounded out to third base to end the rally and the game.

Crabs’ starter Jarrett Grube (1-0) picked up the win firing five and one-third innings, allowing four hits and two runs, with eight strikeouts. Ray (0-2) suffered the loss yielding nine hits and four earned runs over his four-plus innings. Suzuki picked up his second save in as many nights.

The series now shifts to Long Island when the Ducks host Game Three of the Liberty Division Playoffs on Saturday, September 26, at Citibank Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., with the Citibank Park gates opening at 6:05 p.m. For a complete list of upcoming playoff games at Citibank Park CLICK HERE. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com and on 1440 AM WNYG, with Casey Lynn and Chris King calling the play-by-play.Tickets to Ducks playoff games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

###

GAME DATE:  9/25/09
LONG ISLAND  4 AT SOUTHERN MARYLAND  5  
 YTD   YTD
LONG ISLANDAB  R  H BI   AVG  SOUTHERN MARYLAND  AB  R  H BI   AVG
N.Jackson CF5  2  2  0  .222  J.Ramistella RF 4  1  2  1  .375  
J.Francia 2B5  0  0  0  .000  J.Shanks LF 5  0  3  3  .444  
R.Navarrete LF  4  0  3  1  .375  T.Garcia SS 5  0  1  0  .125  
G.Lombard RF4  0  0  0  .143  P.Osborn 3B 5  0  1  0  .250  
R.Gonzalez DH   4  0  1  0  .375  M.Tucker DH 2  1  0  0  .000  
F.Thon 1B   4  0  1  0  .143  B.Krause PR 0  0  0  0  .000  
A.Prieto SS 3  0  0  0  .167  C.Nicolas 1B5  1  1  0  .167  
J.Hernandez PH  0  1  0  0  .000  J.Owens CF  4  1  2  1  .286  
J.Pachot CAT3  0  0  0  .000  O.Martinez CAT  3  1  1  0  .333  
E.Harris PH 1  0  0  0  .000  C.Jeroloman 2B  4  0  1  0  .250  
M.Cavagnaro 3B  4  1  1  1  .143  J.Grube PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
K.Ray PIT   0  0  0  0  .000  M.Schweitzer PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
J.Olson PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  P.Estrada PIT   0  0  0  0  .000  
J.Dittler PIT   0  0  0  0  .000  D.De La Rosa PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
B.Simas PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  F.Gracesqui PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
  Suzuki PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  
TOTALS 37  4  8  2TOTALS 37  5 12  5
LONG ISLAND  0 0 0   0 0 2   0 1 1- 4  8  3
SOUTHERN MARYLAND0 3 0   0 2 0   0 0 X- 5 12  4
E--J.Francia, G.Lombard, A.Prieto, J.Shanks, T.Garcia 2, C.Nicolas. 
DP--LONG ISLAND 0, SOUTHERN MARYLAND 1. LOB--LONG ISLAND 7, SOUTHERN MARYLAND 13. 
2B--N.Jackson (1), F.Thon (1). 3B--J.Shanks (1). HR--M.Cavagnaro (1). 
SB--R.Navarrete (1), J.Owens (1). SH--O.Martinez. 
YTD
 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR ERA
 LONG ISLAND
K.Ray (L,0-1)   4.0   9   5   4   2   1   09.00
J.Olson 1.0   1   0   0   1   1   00.00
J.Dittler   2.0   1   0   0   0   2   00.00
B.Simas 1.0   1   0   0   1   0   00.00
 SOUTHERN MARYLAND
J.Grube (W,1-0) 5.1   4   2   2   0   8   13.38
M.Schweitzer0.1   0   0   0   0   0   00.00
P.Estrada   0.1   1   0   0   0   0   00.00
D.De La Rosa1.0   1   0   0   0   0   00.00
F.Gracesqui 1.0   2   1   0   0   2   00.00
Suzuki (S,2)1.0   0   1   0   1   1   00.00
WP--D.De La Rosa, F.Gracesqui. SO--N.Jackson, J.Francia 3, R.Navarrete, 
G.Lombard 3, R.Gonzalez, J.Pachot 2, T.Garcia, P.Osborn, J.Owens, 
C.Jeroloman. BB--J.Hernandez, J.Ramistella, M.Tucker 3. 
T--3:19.  A--4598

DUCKS FLY PAST SHARKS

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Troy Cate's stellar outing lifts Long Island

(Central Islip, N.Y., September 18, 2009) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Camden Riversharks 7-2 on Friday night at Citibank Park.

Game Audio: Troy Cate's thoughts on breaking Ducks' single-season record for wins

A first inning run courtesy of back-to-back hits and an error gave the Ducks an early 1-0 lead off Sharks’ starter Josh Brey. Camden catcher Carlos Dominguez’ throwing error on a Matt Cavagnaro bunt base hit brought home Juan Francia, who led off the frame with a double.

Long Island plated two more runs in the last of the fourth frame. Four consecutive base hits to start the inning, including Ray Navarrete’s team-leading 25^th dinger and Johnny Hernandez’ RBI single highlighted the frame.

Single runs in the fifth and sixth innings extended the Ducks’ lead to 5-0. In the fifth, a wild pitch thrown by Brey allowed Dennis Donovan to score from third base, while Estee Harris’ RBI single in the sixth did the damage.

Camden cut into the lead with a two-spot in the top of the seventh as three walks and a RBI sacrifice fly off Ducks’ reliever Rob Paulk made the score 5-2. However, the Flock wasted no time getting the two runs back in the subsequent inning, with RBI hits from Freddie Thon and Hernandez to push the score to 7-2.

Cate (13-5) picked up the win, hurling six innings, allowing one hit and no runs, with five punch-outs. Cate also faced the minimum through his six innings of work, facing just 18 batters. Brey (9-8) was hit with the loss, yielding 10 hits and four earned runs in six innings of work.

Long Island and Camden continue their four-game series on Saturday. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m., with the Citibank Park gates opening at 6:05 p.m. Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Grucci Fireworks Extravaganza, by Nycomed US. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com and on 1440 AM WNYG, with Chris King calling the play-by-play. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks home games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

The Ducks will host Game Three of the Liberty Division Playoffs on Saturday, September 26, at Citibank Park, with the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. For a complete list of upcoming playoff games at Citibank Park CLICK HERE. Tickets to Ducks playoff games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

Duck Tales…With a first inning run, Ducks’ second baseman Juan Francia scored his 88^th run of the season. Ray Navarrete leads the team and the Atlantic League with 104…Speaking of Navarrete, Ray went yard for the 25^th time this season and is among the league leaders in all Triple Crown categories (AVG, HR, RBI). Ray is currently tied for sixth in batting average, second in homers and first in RBI. The Ducks have had two players lead the league in RBI, Bucky Jacobsen (89, 2006) and Derrick Gibson (89, 2003)…With his 13^th win of the season, Long Island starter Troy Cate became the Ducks’ first ever 13-game winner. Randy Leek and Pat Ahearne previously shared the record of 12.

###

SHARKS BITE DUCKS

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Camden uses two-run seventh to edge Ducks

(Central Islip, N.Y., September 19, 2009) – The Camden Riversharks defeated the Long Island Ducks 4-2 on Saturday night before a past-capacity crowd of 6,541 at Citibank Park.

Camden plated single runs in the third and fourth frames off Ducks’ starter B.J. LaMura to take a 2-0 advantage. Chris Walker’s two-out RBI single in the third and Carlos Dominguez’ RBI sacrifice fly in the fourth helped the Sharks get out in front early.

Two unearned runs in the top of the seventh off Ducks’ reliever Jake Dittler gave the Sharks a 4-0 lead.

Long Island pushed across their first run in the home half of the seventh. Freddie Thon’s RBI sacrifice fly cut the deficit to 4-1. Thon’s second RBI on a single into right field in the last of the eighth moved the score to 4-2.

Camden starter Ryan DiPietro (7-10) earned the win, hurling six and two-thirds frames, surrendering four hits and one run, with six punch-outs. LaMura (10-10) was saddled with the loss tossing six innings, allowing six hits and two runs, while fanning eight.

Long Island and Camden wrap up their four-game series and regular season on Sunday with Fan Appreciation Day, sponsored by Long Island Pepsi. Game time is set for 1:35 p.m., with the Citibank Park gates opening at 12:35 p.m. Long Island will host their weekly pregame autograph session and postgame Kids Run the Bases, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Throughout the afternoon, a lucky fan will win a new mountain bike each inning as Long Island Pepsi hosts the Great Mountain Bike Giveaway. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com and on 1440 AM WNYG, with Chris King the play-by-play. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks home games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

Duck Tales…B.J. LaMura made his team-leading 28^th start of the season for the Flock. LaMura also has tossed the second most innings on the Ducks. Randy Leek leads the club with 156.2 frames…With a double in the seventh frame, George Lombard helped push his average to .450 at Citibank Park, which leads the team. The Ducks are third in the Atlantic League with 240 three-baggers…Jake Dittler made his first appearance out of the bullpen for the Flock since August 1. Joe Valentine leads the team and league with 66 appearances.

###

GAME DATE:  9/19/09
CAMDEN  4 AT LONG ISLAND  2  
 YTD   YTD
CAMDEN AB  R  H BI   AVG  LONG ISLANDAB  R  H BI   AVG
W.Lydon CF  5  1  0  0  .274  M.Cavagnaro 3B  5  0  2  0  .259  
C.Walker RF 5  0  3  1  .254  D.Donovan SS4  1  0  0  .182  
G.Guzman LF 4  0  0  0  .293  R.Navarrete 2B  2  0  0  0  .308  
B.Bonvechio 1B  5  0  0  1  .266  G.Lombard LF3  1  1  0  .335  
V.Chiaravlti DH 5  1  2  0  .272  R.Gonzalez RF   4  0  0  0  .317  
B.Burgamy 3B3  0  1  0  .247  F.Thon 1B   3  0  1  2  .356  
B.Finegan SS4  1  2  0  .237  J.Pachot CAT4  0  1  0  .248  
C.Dominguez CAT 2  0  1  1  .244  E.Harris CF 4  0  2  0  .277  
R.Fenwick 2B2  1  0  0  .206  A.Prieto DH 3  0  0  0  .239  
R.DiPietro PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  B.LaMura PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
C.Shaver PIT0  0  0  0  .000  J.Dittler PIT   0  0  0  0  .000  
F.Perez PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  J.Brower PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
TOTALS 35  4  9  3TOTALS 32  2  7  2
CAMDEN   0 0 1   1 0 0   2 0 0- 4  9  0
LONG ISLAND  0 0 0   0 0 0   1 1 0- 2  7  3
E--M.Cavagnaro, D.Donovan, J.Pachot. DP--CAMDEN 0, LONG ISLAND 1. 
LOB--CAMDEN 12, LONG ISLAND 9. 2B--V.Chiaravlti (26), C.Dominguez (2), 
M.Cavagnaro (16), G.Lombard (11). SB--C.Walker 2 (59). HBP--R.Navarrete. 
SF--F.Thon. SH--C.Dominguez 2, R.Fenwick. 
YTD
 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR ERA
 CAMDEN
R.DiPietro (W,7-9)  6.2   4   1   1   2   6   04.64
C.Shaver1.1   1   1   1   2   0   03.83
F.Perez (S,6)   1.0   2   0   0   0   0   03.00
 LONG ISLAND
B.LaMura (L,10-10)  6.0   6   2   2   3   8   04.95
J.Dittler   2.0   2   2   0   1   2   04.79
J.Brower1.0   1   0   0   1   2   00.00
HB--R.DiPietro. PB--C.Dominguez. SO--W.Lydon, C.Walker 2, G.Guzman, 
B.Bonvechio 2, V.Chiaravlti 2, B.Burgamy 2, C.Dominguez, R.Fenwick, 
M.Cavagnaro, D.Donovan, G.Lombard 2, A.Prieto 2. BB--G.Guzman, 
B.Burgamy 2, B.Finegan, R.Fenwick, D.Donovan, R.Navarrete, G.Lombard, 
A.Prieto. 
T--2:56.  A--6541

DUCKS WIN 2ND HALF CHAMPIONSHIP

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Long Island celebrates after clinching Second-Half Liberty Division Title

(Central Islip, N.Y., September 20, 2009) – On Sunday, the final regular season game of the 2009 season, the Long Island Ducks were crowned a Second-Half Liberty Division title with their 12-10 victory over the Camden Riversharks before a past-capacity crowd of 6,147 at Citibank Park. With a Southern Maryland Blue Crab loss to the Lancaster Barnstormers, the Ducks clinched their sixth-ever Atlantic League Division Title.

The Ducks who begin their quest for a second-ever Atlantic League Championship on Thursday, September 24 against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs had already secured a playoff berth on Wednesday night and will play in their Atlantic League-record sixth consecutive playoff season.

Game Audio: Manager Gary Carter speaks on winning division

In the game, Camden grabbed an early lead with a second inning run off Ducks’ starter Ken Ray. Brian Finegan’s RBI sacrifice fly gave the Sharks a 1-0 lead.

The Ducks put up a three-spot in the last of third inning off Sharks’ starter Kalen Gearhart to take a 3-1 lead. Eight batters came to the plate, with Juan Francia’s two-run double supplying the damage.

In the top of the fifth, Brett Bonvechio’s RBI single off Ducks’ reliever Ron Flores cut the deficit to 3-2. However, the Flock wasted no time plating two runs in the subsequent inning. Raul Gonzalez’ two-run double pushed the Ducks’ lead to 5-2.

After the Sharks bounced back with two of their own in the top of the seventh, the Ducks answered with six. George Lombard’s two-run homer highlighted the big inning.

Continuing the back-and-forth contest, the Sharks banged out six runs in the top of the eighth to cut the lead to 11-10. Brian Burgamy’s three-run homer off Ducks’ reliever Joe Valentine was the big blow of the frame. Freddie Thon’s RBI single in the home half of the eighth gave the Ducks some breathing room, while Billy Simas earned his league-leading 27^th save with a scoreless ninth.

Gearhart (1-4) was saddled with the loss, yielding eight hits and five runs over four-plus innings of work. Ron Flores (3-2) was awarded the win, as he allowed no earned runs over two innings.

Long Island will now enjoy three days off before they begin their run at their second-ever Atlantic League Championship on Thursday, September 24. Game one of the Liberty Division playoffs against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs will commence at 7:05 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Casey Lynn and Chris King calling the play-by-play.

Duck Tales…With their 139^th game played, Ducks’ outfielder Ray Navarrete and Camden’s outfielder Wayne Lydon both broke the Atlantic League record for games played in a single-season (Ric Johnson, LHV, 2000) …Ken Ray made his first start for the Flock since May 17, when he shut out the Riversharks through his six innings of work. Ray, who was then signed by the Cleveland Indians organization, appeared in 20 games for Columbus…Raul Gonzalez’ two doubles gave the Ducks 242 two-baggers on the season. Ray Navarrete’s 39 led the team and the league…Speaking of Navarrete, Ray finished the 2009 season leading the Atlantic League in hits, extra-base hits, runs scored, RBI and doubles…Ducks’ closer Billy Simas led the leagues in saves, while Troy Cate finished second in wins…The Ducks finished with identical first and second half records at 37-33.

###

GAME DATE:  9/20/09
CAMDEN 10 AT LONG ISLAND 12  
 YTD   YTD
CAMDEN AB  R  H BI   AVG  LONG ISLANDAB  R  H BI   AVG
W.Lydon CF  6  1  1  0  .273  J.Francia 2B4  0  1  4  .310  
C.Walker RF 5  3  1  0  .254  N.Jackson CF4  2  3  1  .750  
G.Guzman LF 4  2  2  3  .298  R.Navarrete LF  5  2  2  0  .309  
B.Bonvechio 1B  4  1  2  1  .269  G.Lombard DH5  2  3  2  .343  
B.Burgamy 3B5  1  1  3  .247  R.Gonzalez RF   5  1  3  3  .330  
K.Kotch DH  5  1  2  0  .240  F.Thon 1B   3  1  1  1  .355  
B.Finegan SS4  0  0  1  .232  M.Cavagnaro 3B  4  1  1  0  .259  
C.Dominguez CAT 5  1  3  0  .283  R.Sandora CAT   5  1  1  0  .256  
R.Fenwick 2B3  0  1  0  .216  A.Prieto SS 3  2  1  0  .240  
K.Gearhart PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  K.Ray PIT   0  0  0  0  .000  
J.Lewis PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  R.Flores PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
B.Reith PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  J.Olson PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
J.Guerrero PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  J.Norderum PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  
  J.Valentine PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
  B.Simas PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
TOTALS 41 10 13  8TOTALS 38 12 16 11
CAMDEN   0 1 0   0 1 0   2 6 0-10 13  4
LONG ISLAND  0 0 3   0 2 0   6 1 X-12 16  2
E--W.Lydon, B.Burgamy, B.Finegan, R.Fenwick, N.Jackson, M.Cavagnaro. 
DP--CAMDEN 1, LONG ISLAND 0. LOB--CAMDEN 11, LONG ISLAND 8. 2B--
G.Guzman (9), N.Jackson (1), G.Lombard (12), R.Gonzalez (8). 3B--
K.Kotch (1). HR--B.Burgamy (10), G.Lombard (11). SB--C.Walker 2 (61). 
CS--J.Francia. SF--B.Finegan, J.Francia. 
YTD
 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR ERA
 CAMDEN
K.Gearhart (L,1-4)  4.0   8   5   5   3   0   06.83
J.Lewis 2.0   1   0   0   0   2   04.63
B.Reith 0.2   5   6   6   2   1   17.31
J.Guerrero  1.1   2   1   1   0   0   04.80
 LONG ISLAND
K.Ray   3.0   1   1   1   4   2   03.00
R.Flores (W,3-2)2.0   2   1   0   0   1   04.24
J.Olson 1.0   1   0   0   1   2   03.38
J.Norderum  1.0   3   2   2   0   2   03.97
J.Valentine 0.1   4   6   5   1   0   12.96
B.Simas (S,27)  1.2   2   0   0   0   1   02.76
WP--K.Gearhart, J.Norderum. PB--R.Sandora 2. SO--W.Lydon, C.Walker, 
G.Guzman, B.Bonvechio, B.Burgamy, K.Kotch, B.Finegan, C.Dominguez, 
N.Jackson, M.Cavagnaro, R.Sandora. BB--C.Walker, G.Guzman 2, B.Bonvechio, 
R.Fenwick 2, N.Jackson, F.Thon 2, M.Cavagnaro, A.Prieto. 
T--3:25.  A--6147

CRABS TAKE GAME ONE

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

John Halama stymies Long Island to take series opener

(Waldorf, M.D, Sept. 24, 2009) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Thursday night 1-0 in Game One of their best-of-five Liberty Division Championship series.

Game Audio: Manager Gary Carter's thoughts on Game One.

Pitching was the story as John Halama and Troy Cate hooked up in a classic showdown to begin the series. The only run of the contest was scored by Southern Maryland in the bottom of the first inning as Patrick Osborn’s two-out RBI single into shallow center gave the Crabs a 1-0 advantage.

Halama (1-0) fired eight innings, allowing four hits and no runs, while striking out four. Cate (0-1) was hit with the loss as he yielded two hits and one earned run in his six innings of work. The Ducks threatened in the ninth off Crabs’ closer Mac Suzuki with a two-out walk issued to George Lombard, but Suzuki induced Raul Gonzalez to bounce out to third base to pick up the save.

Long Island and Southern Maryland continue their playoff series on Friday. Game two of the Liberty Division Championship series begins at 7:05 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com and on 1440 AM WNYG, with Casey Lynn and Chris King calling the play-by-play.

###

GAME DATE:  9/24/09
LONG ISLAND  0 AT SOUTHERN MARYLAND  1  
 YTD   YTD
LONG ISLANDAB  R  H BI   AVG  SOUTHERN MARYLAND  AB  R  H BI   AVG
J.Francia 2B4  0  0  0  .000  J.Ramistella RF 4  0  1  0  .250  
N.Jackson CF4  0  0  0  .000  J.Shanks LF 4  1  1  0  .250  
R.Navarrete LF  4  0  0  0  .000  T.Garcia SS 3  0  0  0  .000  
G.Lombard RF3  0  1  0  .333  P.Osborn 3B 3  0  1  1  .333  
R.Gonzalez DH   4  0  2  0  .500  M.Tucker DH 3  0  0  0  .000  
F.Thon 1B   3  0  0  0  .000  C.Nicolas 1B1  0  0  0  .000  
A.Prieto SS 3  0  1  0  .333  J.Owens CF  3  0  0  0  .000  
R.Sandora CAT   2  0  0  0  .000  L.Burkhart CAT  3  0  0  0  .000  
J.Hernandez PH  1  0  0  0  .000  O.Martinez CAT  0  0  0  0  .000  
J.Pachot CAT0  0  0  0  .000  M.Just 2B   2  0  0  0  .000  
M.Cavagnaro 3B  3  0  0  0  .000  J.Halama PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
T.Cate PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  Suzuki PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  
J.Brower PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
J.Valentine PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
TOTALS 31  0  4  0TOTALS 26  1  3  1
LONG ISLAND  0 0 0   0 0 0   0 0 0- 0  4  1
SOUTHERN MARYLAND1 0 0   0 0 0   0 0 X- 1  3  0
E--M.Cavagnaro. DP--LONG ISLAND 1, SOUTHERN MARYLAND 0. LOB--LONG ISLAND 5, 
SOUTHERN MARYLAND 4. 2B--R.Gonzalez (1), A.Prieto (1), J.Shanks (1). 
YTD
 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR ERA
 LONG ISLAND
T.Cate (L,0-1)  6.0   2   1   1   2   4   01.50
J.Brower1.0   0   0   0   0   0   00.00
J.Valentine 1.0   1   0   0   1   1   00.00
 SOUTHERN MARYLAND
J.Halama (W,1-0)8.0   4   0   0   0   4   00.00
Suzuki (S,1)1.0   0   0   0   1   1   00.00
WP--J.Brower. SO--N.Jackson 2, G.Lombard 2, R.Sandora, J.Ramistella, 
J.Shanks, T.Garcia, J.Owens, M.Just. BB--G.Lombard, C.Nicolas 2, 
M.Just. 
T--2:32.  A--4017

DUCKS EDGE SHARKS

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Five-run fifth propels Long Island to victory

(Central Islip, N.Y., September 17, 2009)– The Long Island Ducks defeated the Camden Riversharks 5-4 on Thursday night at Citibank Park.

Game Audio: Dennis Donovan's suicide squeeze

Camden struck first with a run in the top of the second inning off Long Island starter Julio Manon. Brian Burgamy’s RBI sacrifice fly brought home Garrett Guzman, who led off the frame with a triple.

In the home half of the fifth, the Ducks batted around while putting up a five-spot off Camden starter Kevin Mannix. John Pachot’s RBI single tied it at one, while Dennis Donovan’s suicide squeeze gave the Ducks the lead. Matt Cavagnaro’s RBI sacrifice fly and Freddie Thon’s two-run double helped the Ducks take a 5-1 advantage.

The Sharks fought back with two runs in the top of the sixth with RBI singles by Chris Walker and Brett Bonvechio to cut the Ducks’ lead to 5-3.

Manon (9-6) earned the win, tossing seven innings, surrendering five hits and three runs, with seven punch-outs. Mannix (2-5) was saddled with the loss, yielding five hits and five runs over six innings of work. Jim Brower nailed down his first save of the season with one and one-third innings of scoreless relief.

Long Island and Camden continue their series on Friday. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m., with the Citibank Park gates opening at 6:05 p.m. The first 1,500 fans will receive Stress Baseballs by New York State Nurses Association. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com and on 1440 AM WNYG, with Chris King calling the play-by-play. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks’ home games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

Duck Tales…Ducks’ starter Julio Manon tossed at least seven frames for the ninth time this season and at one point retired 13 consecutive batters…With two RBI, Ducks’ first baseman Freddie Thon now has 13 RBI in 17 games played…Long Island welcomed back outfielder Raul Gonzalez, who signed in late May with Tabasco of the Mexican League. Gonzalez also played for Calgary of the Golden League, where he helped the Vipers garner a 2009 Championship…Jim Brower picked up his first save of the season. Brower has five big league saves in his career.

###

GAME DATE:  9/17/09
CAMDEN  4 AT LONG ISLAND  5  
 YTD   YTD
CAMDEN AB  R  H BI   AVG  LONG ISLANDAB  R  H BI   AVG
W.Lydon CF  4  2  2  0  .278  J.Francia 2B3  1  0  0  .312  
C.Walker RF 3  1  1  1  .252  M.Cavagnaro 3B  3  0  2  1  .257  
B.Nelson SS 4  0  0  0  .300  R.Navarrete LF  2  1  0  0  .310  
R.Fenwick 2B0  0  0  0  .241  F.Thon 1B   4  0  1  2  .348  
B.Bonvechio 1B  3  0  1  2  .271  R.Gonzalez DH   3  0  0  0  .323  
G.Guzman LF 3  1  1  0  .300  J.Hernandez RF  4  1  1  0  .271  
B.Burgamy 3B3  0  1  1  .248  E.Harris CF 4  1  1  0  .272  
K.Kotch DH  4  0  0  0  .222  J.Pachot CAT3  1  1  1  .248  
B.Finegan 2B/SS 4  0  1  0  .235  D.Donovan SS2  0  0  1  .187  
C.Dominguez CAT 4  0  0  0  .222  J.Manon PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
K.Mannix PIT0  0  0  0  .000  J.Olson PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  
B.Reith PIT 0  0  0  0  .000  J.Norderum PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  
C.Shaver PIT0  0  0  0  .000  J.Brower PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
TOTALS 32  4  7  4TOTALS 28  5  6  5
CAMDEN   0 1 0   0 0 2   0 1 0- 4  7  1
LONG ISLAND  0 0 0   0 5 0   0 0 X- 5  6  1
E--B.Nelson, J.Francia. DP--CAMDEN 0, LONG ISLAND 0. LOB--CAMDEN 6, 
LONG ISLAND 5. 2B--F.Thon (4), J.Pachot (13). 3B--G.Guzman (1). 
SB--W.Lydon 4 (72), C.Walker 2 (56). CS--M.Cavagnaro. HBP--R.Navarrete. 
SF--B.Bonvechio, B.Burgamy, M.Cavagnaro. SH--D.Donovan. 
YTD
 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR ERA
 CAMDEN
K.Mannix (L,2-5)6.0   5   5   5   3   1   04.59
B.Reith 1.0   1   0   0   0   1   05.74
C.Shaver1.0   0   0   0   0   2   03.74
 LONG ISLAND
J.Manon (W,9-6) 7.0   5   3   3   1   7   04.13
J.Olson 0.1   1   1   1   1   0   03.86
J.Norderum  0.1   0   0   0   1   0   03.66
J.Brower (S,1)  1.1   1   0   0   0   0   00.00
WP--K.Mannix. HB--K.Mannix. PB--C.Dominguez. SO--W.Lydon, C.Walker, 
B.Bonvechio, K.Kotch 2, B.Finegan, C.Dominguez, R.Navarrete, J.Hernandez, 
E.Harris 2. BB--W.Lydon, C.Walker, G.Guzman, J.Francia, R.Navarrete, 
R.Gonzalez. 
T--2:54.  A--5354

DUCKS CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Long Island headed to playoffs

(York, Penn., Sept. 16, 2009) - The Long Island Ducks secured their Atlantic League-record sixth consecutive playoff berth via Camden's victory over Bridgeport on Wednesday night. For their part, the Ducks also wrapped up their regular season road schedule with a 8-2 win over the York Revolution on Wednesday from Sovereign Bank Stadium.

York got on the board first with a third inning run off Ducks’ starter Randy Leek. Jason Aspito’s RBI single did the damage. The Ducks wasted no time scoring two runs in the subsequent inning as Ray Navarrete’s RBI single and Freddie Thon’s RBI sacrifice fly gave the Flock a 2-1 lead.

Long Island added a run in the top of the sixth as Navarrete smoked his second RBI single into right field and the Ducks’ pushed their lead to 3-1.

Navarrete continued his stellar night with his 24^th home run in the top of the eighth to extend the Ducks’ lead to 4-1. Long Island put the hammer down in the ninth frame as Alex Prieto crushed a grand slam over left field wall and the Ducks had a 8-2 advantage.

Leek (11-10) went the distance, allowing 13 hits and two runs, with four strikeouts. York starter Shawn Hedrick (1-2) was saddled with the loss as he allowed eight hits and four runs in seven and one-third innings.

Navarrete, who finished the game going 3-for-5,with one homer and three RBI, also broke the single-season record for games played (134 Francisco Morales, ‘00) and extra-base hits (Navarrete 64, ‘08).

Long Island returns to Citibank Park for the final homestand of the season, Thursday, September 17, and welcome the Camden Riversharks in for a four-game series. Game time is set for 6:35 p.m., with the Citibank Park gates opening at 5:35 p.m. The first 1,500 fans will receive Water Bottles by The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation. Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Chris King calling the play-by-play. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks home games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

###

GAME DATE:  9/16/09
LONG ISLAND  8 AT YORK  2  
 YTD   YTD
LONG ISLANDAB  R  H BI   AVG  YORK   AB  R  H BI   AVG
J.Francia 2B5  2  2  0  .314  A.Eggleston CF  5  0  2  0  .250  
M.Cavagnaro 3B  5  1  1  0  .253  K.De Renne 2B   4  0  1  0  .293  
R.Navarrete LF  5  1  3  3  .311  M.Esquivel LF   3  0  0  0  .264  
F.Thon 1B   3  0  1  1  .355  J.Aspito RF 4  1  2  1  .261  
J.Hernandez RF  4  0  1  0  .271  T.Collaro 1B4  0  1  1  .277  
E.Harris CF 3  1  0  0  .272  M.Padgett 3B4  0  1  0  .268  
J.Pachot DH 4  1  1  0  .247  J.Hill DH   4  0  3  0  .317  
R.Sandora CAT   3  1  0  0  .257  L.Rodriguez SS  4  0  1  0  .262  
A.Prieto SS 4  1  1  4  .242  J.Johnson CAT   4  1  2  0  .188  
R.Leek PIT  0  0  0  0  .000  S.Hedrick PIT   0  0  0  0  .000  
  S.Youman PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
  J.Richardson PIT0  0  0  0  .000  
TOTALS 36  8 10  8TOTALS 36  2 13  2
LONG ISLAND  0 0 0   2 0 1   0 1 4- 8 10  0
YORK 0 0 1   0 0 0   0 1 0- 2 13  1
E--M.Esquivel. DP--LONG ISLAND 2, YORK 0. LOB--LONG ISLAND 4, YORK 9. 
2B--K.De Renne (24), T.Collaro (27), J.Hill (5). HR--R.Navarrete (24), 
A.Prieto (7). SF--F.Thon. SH--K.De Renne. 
YTD
 IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR ERA
 LONG ISLAND
R.Leek (W,11-10)9.0  13   2   2   1   4   04.31
 YORK
S.Hedrick (L,1-2)   7.1   8   4   4   0   4   14.43
S.Youman0.2   1   3   3   2   1   03.51
J.Richardson1.0   1   1   1   0   1   19.00
WP--R.Leek. PB--R.Sandora. SO--M.Cavagnaro 2, J.Hernandez 2, E.Harris 2, 
J.Aspito, M.Padgett, L.Rodriguez, J.Johnson. BB--E.Harris, R.Sandora, 
M.Esquivel. 
T--2:32.  A--6132