Martinez Tallies Three Hits In Defeat

(Central Islip, NY– May 17, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks (15-6) defeated the New Britain Bees (7-11) 5-2 at Bethpage Ballpark on Friday night in the opener of a four-game weekend series in the Empire State.

New Britain starting pitcher Cory Riordan (1-2) was tagged with the loss, allowing four runs on eight hits (two home runs) in six innings pitched, striking out four. Long Island pitcher Sean Nolin (3-0) picked up the win after giving up just one run on seven hits in five innings on the mound while striking out six. Enrique Burgos retired all three batters he faced in the top half of the ninth inning for team-leading third save of the season.

Long Island took a 3-0 lead after just two innings of play thanks to a pair of home runs versus Riordan, the first produced by Kirk Nieuwenhuis, a solo shot to right field in the home half of the first frame, and a two-run tater to right centerfield in the second off the bat of David Washington. New Britain cut the deficit to 3-1 in the top of the fourth when Bijan Rademacher plated Jason Rogers with a two-out run-scoring infield single after Rogers singled sharply to left field with one man down. Trailing 5-1 in the eighth, the Bees got back to within three runs at 5-2 when Alejandro De Aza hustled down the line from third base on a wild pitch thrown by Ducks reliever Kam Mickolio after De Aza doubled into the gap in right centerfield which at the time put runners at second and third with nobody out. The comeback would fall just short as Vin Mazzaro and Burgos retired the final four batters of the ballgame en route to the victory for the Flock. Ozzie Martinez led the way for New Britain with three hits, his fourth multi-hit game of the season and first of the three-hit variety. Photo provided courtesy of Joe Doll.

The Bees return to New Britain Stadium on Friday, May 24^th when they welcome in the High Point Rockers to the Hardware City for the first time in franchise history, kicking off a three-game Memorial Day Weekend series as well as a seven-game homestand. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. It will be the Bees Best Bites Wing Night! When the gates open at 5:35 P.M., everyone in attendance can purchase a wristband for just five dollars, enabling them to try wings from local restaurants and vote for their favorites! It will also be another Fat Tire Friday, as fans 21 and older can enjoy Fat Tire Belgian Ale drafts for just five dollars! CLICK HERE for tickets.

About the New Britain Bees

The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at New Britain Stadium. For information on ticket packages, group outings and sponsorships call 860-826-BEES (2337) or visit NBBees.com.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.  For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.

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