Ross Seaton Goes The Distance, Retiring The Final 17 Batters Faced
(Central Islip, NY– September 5, 2016) – The Bridgeport Bluefish (29-28, 59-68) defeated the Long Island Ducks (25-32, 65-62) 3-1 at Bethpage Ballpark on Labor Day in the opener of a four game series and seven game road trip. The Bluefish trail the reigning Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Champion Somerset Patriots by two and half games for First Place in the Second Half of the Liberty Division Standings with 13 games remaining in the regular season.
Bridgeport Starting Pitcher Ross Seaton (1-3) picked up his first victory as a member of the Bluefish in grand fashion, firing a complete game, allowing just one run on three hits in nine innings pitched, walking only one in the process. Long Island Starting Pitcher Nick Struck (2-5) was tagged with the loss, surrendering three runs (one earned run) on eight hits in five and two-thirds innings of work, walking and striking out two while hitting a pair of batters.
Bridgeport took a 2-0 lead off Struck in the top half of the second inning for the early advantage. After Sean Burroughs and Jose Gil began the rally with back to back base knocks, Struck hit Jose Cuevas with a pitch to load the bases with nobody out. Jonathan Galvez followed with a ground ball to the right side that went through the legs of first baseman Tyler Colvin, and the error allowed Burroughs and Gil to cross the plate to give the ‘Fish a two run cushion. Long Island would cut the deficit in half in the home half of the fourth inning against Seaton when Cody Puckett laced an RBI single to centerfield, scoring Delta Cleary Jr. who led off the frame with an opposite field double to left.
The Bluefish would add an insurance run in the top of the sixth again at the hands of Struck on a run-scoring single by Gil that plated Welington Dotel after he opened up the inning with a double into the gap in right centerfield. That would be more than enough for Seaton, as he overpowered the juggernaut Long Island offense all day long. The single by Puckett that drove home Cleary Jr. back in the fourth inning was the last baserunner that Seaton would allow, as the right hander finished the ballgame retiring 17 consecutive Ducks batters and 19 of the final 21 Flock hitters he faced, allowing just four baserunners the entire afternoon, enabling the visitors to win their third consecutive game against their Liberty Division and cross-sound rival. Dotel and Gil led the way for Bridgeport with a pair of hits each. Photo provided courtesy of Dave Csordas and Daniel Saunders.
The Bluefish return home on Tuesday, September 13th to kick off their final regular season homestand when they welcome in the Somerset Patriots to the Ballpark at Harbor Yard for a day/night doubleheader. First pitch for the School Day game is scheduled for 10:35 A.M., with the nightcap set to begin at 7:12 P.M., which will be a two-dollar Tuesday, where hot dogs will be just two dollars plus there will be another two-dollar special at the concession stands. CLICK HERE for tickets.
About the Bridgeport Bluefish
The Bridgeport Bluefish are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. For further information, call 203-210-BLUE (2583) or visit BridgeportBluefish.com
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 35 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population. For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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