Central Islip, NY – The Long Island Ducks (17-12, 57-42) defeated the Somerset Patriots (15-16, 53-48) 8-6 Monday evening at Bethpage Ballpark. Despite Carlos Guzman’s three hits and two RBI, the Patriots dropped the series opener against their division rival. “Baseball is a game of inches and they got the breaks today,” said Guzman who has reached base safely in 13 of his last 17 plate appearances. “We’re all still confident. The way we have been swinging the bats, we know we have a chance every night.” Long Island received solo home runs by both Fehlandt Lentini (7) and Cody Puckett (8) in the bottom of the first inning. Luis Mateo legged out an RBI fielder’s choice in the second inning to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Ducks got that run back in the ensuing half inning as Mike Blanke blasted an RBI double upping the lead to 3-1. The Patriots scored four two out runs in the top of the third inning to grab a brief 5-3 lead. Brian Van Kirk and Yovan Gonzalez each sliced RBI singles while Guzman hammered a two-run double. “The key to my turn around is getting more reps,” Guzman said of his hot bat. “I missed some time in July with an injury and needed my timing and rhythm back.” In the bottom of the third inning Dan Lyons roped a two-run triple and Mike Dowd drilled an RBI single to give the Flock a 6-5 lead. Ruben Gotay blooped a two RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning to provide insurance as the lead ballooned to 8-5. Scott Kelly hustled for an infield RBI single in the eighth inning to make the score 8-6 which would be the final. Kyle Hanson (1-1) earned the win throwing 1.0 inning of scoreless relief. Randy Boone (0-2) suffered the loss yielding six runs in 2.2 innings. Todd Coffey notched the save (20) by tossing a perfect ninth inning. The 2016 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford continues on the road until the team returns to TD Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 p.m. game on Friday, August 12th against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. For tickets, call 908-252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com. Download our Mobile App for free in the Apple or Android App store.
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