After the most talked about incident in Independent Baseball in recent memory, the Long Island Ducks continue to play strong baseball.
Three game series: Ducks @ Bridgeport Bluefish
Opening game (8/14/07): Ducks 13, Bluefish 12
The 34-hit marathon which lasted over four hours in which the Ducks were able to squeak out a one run win was the least important event that happened on the ball field. In the top of the second inning Ducks shortstop Jose Offerman, who led of the game with a home run, was hit by a pitch in his left calf and then suddenly lost it. He ran out to the mound with his bat taking swings at Bluefish pitcher Matt Beech. He made contact with Beech’s hand, and broke his finger. He also hit Bluefish catcher John Nathans in the back of the head. Nathans suffered a concussion and was seen on the news being carted off on a stretcher to an ambulance outside the stadium. Offerman was charged with two counts of assault and was suspended indefinitely by the Atlantic League. Gotham will have more coverage of this as it develops.
Middle game (8/15/07): Bluefish 7, Ducks 4
The Bluefish jumped out early scoring all seven of their runs in the first four innings and Manny Ulloa held the Ducks to five hits and one run over six innings, in a 7-4 Ducks loss. The Ducks, without their leadoff hitter Offerman, were unable to muster anything against the Bluefish. They scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning but it was too little too late. Lance Davis had his shortest outing of the year, lasting only four innings allowing all seven runs. Carl Everett had two hits and an RBI and Kevin Haverbusch also added two hits with two RBIs.
Final game (8/16/07): Ducks 10, Bluefish 7
The Ducks came back from a 7-2 deficit in the ninth inning to defeat the Bluefish, 10-7. Estee Harris hit a game tying two-run single tying the game at seven. Moment’s later catcher Jared Price hit a game winning three-run home run off reliever Hector Mercado. Norm Hutchins added four hits and four RBIs as well. Ducks starter Randy Leek threw seven and two-thirds innings, allowing 14 hits and six earned runs. Joe Valentine finished off the eighth inning for Leek and picked up his fourth win of the season.
Three game series: Ducks @ York Revolution
Opening game (8/17/07: Revolution 6, Ducks 1
Chris Steinborn threw a complete eight-hitter and Ducks starter Jon Halama got knocked around for six runs in seven innings for the loss. The Revolution scored in the third, fourth and fifth innings, as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead. The Ducks tried to battle back but the comeback was not to be. Their only RBI was off the bat of Everett with a two-out single in the top of the sixth.
Middle game (8/18/07): Ducks 5, Revolution 4
The Ducks held on to defeat the Revolution 5-4 at Sovereign Bank Stadium. They were up 5-1 going into the bottom of the ninth inning on home runs by Everett and Haverbusch. Danny Graves who leads the league in saves had a surprisingly rough outing in the ninth. He allowed three runs on four hits but was able to finish off the game and secure the win. Ed Yarnall pitched well for the Ducks going six innings and allowing only a single run.
Final game (8/19/07): Postponed due to inclement weather
Weekly Notes:
-Everett continues to hit: he had two home runs, six RBIs and batted over .300 for the week
-Ray Navarrete has a 15-game hitting streak
-Norm Hutchins has a 12-game hitting streak
-P.J. Rose has an 18-game on-base streak
-The Ducks stay home for a six game home stand against Bridgeport and continue with a weekend series against the Camden Riversharks.
