The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Central Islip, NY – The Long Island Ducks (46-23) won the rubber match over the Somerset Patriots (50-20) by a final score of 9-4 Sunday evening at Bethpage Ballpark.
In the top of the first inning right fielder Michael Burgess blasted a three run home run (2) to give Somerset a 3-0 advantage.
Designated hitter Lew Ford smashed a two run home run (7) as the Ducks cut the deficit to 3-2 in the bottom of the first inning.
The Ducks grabbed a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning as Ford drilled a home run (8) and left fielder Prentice Redman ripped a RBI single.
Third baseman Greg Hopkins socked a game tying home run (7) in the top of the sixth inning to even the contest at 4-4.
The Flock regained the lead in the ensuing half inning as third baseman Cody Puckett sliced a RBI double making the score 5-4.
Long Island added a run in the bottom of the seventh inning as catcher Mike Blanke launched a home run (3) as the lead increased to 6-4.
In the bottom of the eighth inning the Ducks batted around to score three insurance runs to make the score 9-4 which would be the final. Both second baseman Reegie Corona and Blanke drew bases loaded walks while shortstop Dan Lyons legged out a RBI infield single.
Bruce Kern earned the win (4-1) tossing six innings while surrendering four runs. Sean Bierman suffered the loss (7-2) giving up a season-high five runs in 5.2 innings of work.
The 2015 Somerset Patriots season presented by Ford will continue when the Somerset Patriots return to TD Bank Ballpark for a 7:05 p.m. game against the Long Island Ducks on Friday, July 10th. For tickets, call 908-252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
