Central Islip, N.Y. – The Somerset Patriots (4-5, 46-33) earned a series-victory over the Long Island Ducks (4-6, 40-40) Sunday evening with a 3-2 win at Bethpage Ballpark.

The Patriots jumped out to an early 2-0 lead to begin the ballgame. Alfredo Rodriguez scored on a wild pitch in the first to open the scoring before Carlos Guzman (3) added a solo home run to right-center field in the second, doubling the Somerset lead. 

Adam Donachie later entered the ballgame as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and proceeded to rip an RBI double down the left field line to increase the Patriots’ lead to 3-0. Long Island rallied for two runs on RBI doubles from Marc Krauss and Ruben Gotay in the ninth inning, but the rally ended there.

Somerset starting pitcher Lucas Irvine (6-2) allowed just one hit over six scoreless innings to earn the win. The second-year Patriot struck out five and retired 11 of the final 12 batters he faced.

“I just feel more comfortable, staying back and mixing it up on the mound,” said Irvine after the game. “A month and a half ago we tweaked some thing, but its worked out well lately.”

Dennis O’Grady (4-6) took the loss after the yielded two runs over six innings. Ronnie Shaban (6) allowed two runs in the ninth inning but closed the door to earn the save.

Somerset now travels across the Long Island Sound to open up a three-game series against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Right-hander David Kubiak (3-7, 3.85 ERA) toes the rubber against Bluefish righty Charles Brewer (5-2, 4.55 ERA). First pitch at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard is scheduled for 7:12 p.m.

Tickets to the 2017 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford, which includes the team’s 20th Anniversary, are on sale now. For more information, stop by the ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 37 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.

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