Valentin’s Home Run Ties It In The Ninth, Dotel’s Blast Wins It In The Tenth
(Central Islip, NY– September 8, 2016) – The Bridgeport Bluefish (31-29, 61-69) defeated the Long Island Ducks (26-34, 66-64) 2-1 in Ten Innings at Bethpage Ballpark on Thursday night to take three of four games in the series as the ‘Fish now head to Lancaster over the weekend to conclude their seven game, two state road trip, the final road trip of the regular season. Bridgeport registers their 29th come from behind win in 2016, and their second in the four game set against their cross sound rival as they close out their regular season head to head matchup winning five of the final six games played against the Flock.
Bridgeport Starting Pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo registered a no-decision in the matchup, allowing just an unearned run on three hits in seven innings of work, walking two and striking out five. The Liberty Division All-Star notched his team-leading 15th quality start of the campaign. Long Island Starting Pitcher Daniel Herrera also did not factor in the game’s final outcome, firing eight scoreless innings, giving up six hits, walking five and striking out two. Sam Gervacio (1-2) earned the win out of the bullpen with a clean inning of relief, striking out a pair of batters. Patrick Crider (3-2) was tagged with the loss, allowing the go-ahead home run in just one-third of an inning pitched. David Carpenter stranded the bases loaded in the bottom half of the tenth inning to notch his sixth save of the season.
Long Island took a 1-0 lead against Albaladejo in the home half of the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Lew Ford, plating Delta Cleary Jr. with the game’s first run after he opened the frame with a double and advanced to third on a passed ball surrendered by Bluefish backstop Jose Gil. Herrera got out of a big jam in the eighth inducing Jose Cuevas to ground out with the bases loaded on the 140th pitch of the night thrown by the southpaw. Looking for his second save in as many games, Amalio Diaz looked to shut the door in the top of the ninth, but was greeted rudely when Geraldo Valentin launched a leadoff game-tying solo home run to left field, his first roundtripper in a ‘Fish uniform, and in the blink of an eye the game was all even at one. With one out in the tenth, Welington Dotel blasted a go-ahead solo shot to straightaway centerfield off Crider to give the visitors their first lead of the night 2-1. Three Ducks were “on the pond” in the bottom of the tenth, but Carpenter finished the game off by getting Cleary Jr. to foul out to third baseman Angelys Nina, giving the ‘Fish their biggest win of the season. Valentin led the way for Bridgeport with two hits as the newcomer now has five hits in ten at bats in just three games played since coming to the Park City. Photo provided courtesy of Dave Csordas.
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 $2 Tuesday, where hot dogs will be just $2 plus there will be another $2 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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