LI Ducks Begin New Season - SuffolkJournal.com

Ducks Take Off
by Nancy A. Bock

May 2, 2003 (click on photos for larger view)

If the LI Ducks have one tradition they continue to uphold it’s that they always pack the house for home games. And the 6054 fans who risked the weather on Thursday were not disappointed by the 13 to 4 kick off win against the Pennsylvania Road Warriors on opening night. Ducks starting pitcher, Mark Thompson earned the win.

Before the game, players noted the support they receive from the fans as contributing to their success, even though the championship has eluded the team so far. “As far as Long Island goes,” Thompson said. “The fan base here is unbelievable. When I saw they packed this place every night – wow.”

Early arriving fans received a Justin Davies bobble head doll, but were likely even more pleased the Davies stepped up to the plate. The West Babylon native’s four hits were matched by teammate Kevin Baez, who also delivered four times. Each also had triples during the game – matching a franchise record.

(County Executive Robert Gaffney tossed the ceremonial first pitch at the opening game)

The Ducks took flight early in the game breaking out in the second inning with a 3:0 lead and adding four runs in the third. Five hits in a row, including two doubles, scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning before Road Warriors pitcher, Byron Batson got his first out of the inning. Batson was retired in the third inning after Justin Davies’ triple scored Baez and Derrick Gibson.

Despite an early season chill in the air, the Ducks are ready to win the champsionship this year, their fourth season. With 13 runs, one homerun, two triples, three doubles and double-digit singles, they kept the runs coming all night. Thompson, who stayed in for six innings, struck out four, walked three and gave up only one run (in the fourth inning) and five hits.

for more Ducks pictures and recap of the opening series click on Ducks link in left hand column above.