Stormers Top Flock

By Atlantic League Independent Wire Services on July 15, 2009

(Central Islip, N.Y., July 14, 2009) – The Lancaster Barnstormers defeated the Long Island Ducks 9-5 on Tuesday before a past-capacity crowd of 6,126 at Citibank Park.

The Barnstormers cracked the scoreboard first in the top of the third with four runs on four hits.  Back-to-back singles to start the frame followed by a walk loaded the bases against Ducks’ starter Jack Dittler.  A two-run single by Aaron Herr and a Jed Morris two RBI double gave the Barnstormers an early 4-0 advantage.

The Ducks came right back in the home half of the third with five runs on three hits.  Luis Taveras made his Flock debut drawing a one out walk.  After Juan Francia singled and Lew Ford walked to load the bases, Matt Cavagnaro ripped a two-run double down the left field line scoring Tavares and Francia.  Ray Navarrete walked to again load the bases and Preston Wilson cleared the bags with a double to deep center and Long Island moved ahead, 5-4.

Lancaster added two more runs in the fourth off Ducks’ reliever Robert Paulk (1-4), who replaced Dittler.  A pair of wild pitches plated the first run and Matt Watson drilled a RBI triple scoring Michael Woods and the Barnstormers took a one run lead.

Reliever Ron Flores entered to close out the fourth and worked a scoreless fifth, but Lancaster tacked on two more in the sixth.  Another wild pitch led to a run followed by a RBI single off the bat of Michael Campbell and the lead grew to three runs.  Campbell’s RBI double in the eighth plated a big insurance run to make it 9-5 Lancaster.

Juan Ovalles (2-4) got the win for the Barnstormers as he worked two and two-thirds innings in relief allowing one hit, while striking out a pair. Antonio Alfonseca recorded the save as he struck out Preston Wilson to end the game.

The Long Island Ducks continue their series with the Lancaster Barnstormers on Wednesday night.  Game time is set for 7:05 with the Citibank Park gates opening at 6:05 p.m. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive Magnetic Baseball Cards, presented by Underwriters Laboratories.  It will also be Fire Safety Night at the ballpark.  Fans can tune into all the action live via streaming webcast at www.liducks.com, with Casey Lynn calling the play-by-play. Tickets to the game and all upcoming Ducks home games are available at the Citibank Park Box Office, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

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