Gil Homers In Defeat, Two More Hits For Abreu
(Central Islip, NY– August 5, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks (13-15, 49-49) defeated the Bridgeport Bluefish (15-14, 56-43) 4-3 at Bethpage Ballpark on Saturday night and have now taken two of the first three games in the four-game weekend series. The victory pulls Long Island to within a game and a half of both Bridgeport and Somerset for First Place in the Second Half of the Liberty Division Standings.
Bridgeport starting pitcher Reinier Roibal (1-1) suffered the loss, surrendering four runs on eight hits (two home runs) in six innings pitched, walking three and striking out five while also issuing a wild pitch and hitting three batters. Long Island starting pitcher Matt Larkins (5-6) earned the win, allowing two runs on four hits (one home run) over six innings of work, walking two and striking out six while hitting a batter. Amalio Diaz walked the tightrope but was able to pick up the final four outs of the ballgame to notch his fifth save of the season.
Bridgeport took a 1-0 lead against Larkins in the top half of the second inning on a leadoff opposite-field solo home run to right off the bat of Jose Cuevas, his third roundtripper of the campaign. Long Island answered right back in the home half of the frame versus Roibal to get even at one on a two-out big fly also the other way to right from Alex Burg with the bases empty. The ‘Fish went back on top 2-1 in the top of the fourth on a run-scoring base knock by Tony Abreu that plated Ozney Guillen after he reached on an infield single with one out to begin the rally. The Flock responded in the bottom of the fourth with a pair of funs to take the lead for good 3-2, highlighted by a solo home run produced from Marc Krauss to begin the inning and then a double play turned by the ‘Fish defensively on a ball hit by Giovanny Alfonzo with the bases loaded and nobody out that enabled Angelo Songco to score the lead run. Long Island added what proved to be a giant-sized insurance run in the bottom of the sixth for a 4-2 cushion when Dan Lyons took one for the team, getting plunked with the bases loaded on a pitch thrown by Roibal that scored Elmer Reyes after he reached via a leadoff free pass. Bridgeport would cut the two-run deficit in half to 4-3 in the top if the eighth on an RBI groundout by Guillen that allowed Jose Cuevas to cross the plate after he singled and stole a pair of bases. After Gil walked, Diaz came out of the bullpen and gave up a double to left centerfield to Abreu, but the tying-run in Gil was cut down at home plate as the Ducks executed a perfect relay to preserve the lead. Bridgeport had runners at the corners with nobody out in the top of the ninth against Diaz, but could not cash in as they dropped their second consecutive one-run game to their cross-sound and Ferry Cup foes. Gil and Abreu led the way for the Bluefish with a pair of hits each. Photo provided courtesy of Kenneth Arrington.
Bridgeport returns The Ballpark at Harbor Yard on Tuesday, August 8th, when they welcome the Lancaster Barnstormers to the Park City for a three-game midweek series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:12 P.M. Come enjoy dinner and a ballgame on Kids Eat Cheap Tuesday! Children 12 and under can get a hot dog, chips, and a fountain drink for just $2! 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 37 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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