Four-Run Fifth Inning Proves To Be The Difference As Bees Fall To Ducks
De Aza Extends Hitting Streak
(Central Islip, NY – June 25, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks (36-21) defeated the New Britain Bees (30-27) 6-2 at Bethpage Ballpark on Tuesday evening in the opener of a three-game midweek series in the Empire State.
New Britain starting pitcher Jed Bradley (3-1) suffered the loss, surrendering six runs on five hits in four and one-third innings pitched, walking five and striking out four while tossing a wild pitch and hitting a batter. Long Island starting pitcher Travis Banwart (3-0) earned the win after allowing two runs (one earned run) on five hits across five and two-thirds innings on the mound, walking three and striking out five.
New Britain took a 1-0 lead versus Banwart in the top half of the second inning by way of a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jared James that allowed Jonathan Galvez to cross the plate after he led off the frame with a base knock to right field. Long Island jumped out in front 2-1 in the home half of the third and never looked back thanks to a two-run opposite-field double to right produced by Steve Lombardozzi with one away that scored Hector Sanchez and Ezequiel Carrera. The Ducks sent eight men to the plate in the bottom of the fifth and picked up some much needed insurance, scoring four runs on just one hit to open up a 6-1 advantage as the Flock showed tremendous patience at the plate, drawing four consecutive free passes, with the latter being of the RBI variety as Deibinson Romero tallied his first rib-eye steak in a Ducks uniform. The Bees got to within 6-2 in the top of the sixth when Jason Rogers drove in Darren Ford with a sacrifice fly after Ford began the inning with a single and later stole his team-leading tenth base of the season. That was as close as the visitors would get as the Long Island bullpen quartet of Cody Mincey, Rob Rogers, Michael Tonkin, and Josh Leuke fired three and one-third innings of scoreless baseball, striking out five. In his opening plate appearance in the top of the first, Alejandro De Aza reached on an infield single to extend his hitting streak to 11 consecutive games overall, the longest active hit streak on the ballclub. Galvez led the way with a pair of hits in defeat. Photo provided courtesy of Joe Doll.
The Bees return to New Britain Stadium on Monday, July 1st when they host the Liberty Division rival Somerset Patriots in the opener of a five-game series and eight-game homestand to close out the First Half of the 2019 Regular Season schedule. First pitch is slated for 6:35 P.M. It will be another Martin Rosol Dollar Monday in the Hardware City, as the Bees will offer ONE DOLLAR FIELD BOX TICKETS AND ONE DOLLAR MARTIN ROSOL HOT DOGS to all guests! 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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