NEWARK, NJ – August 11, 2007 – With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning, pinch-hitter Bryant Nelson hit a two RBI single to the right-centerfield gap to give the Long Island Ducks a 9-8 victory over the Newark Bears at Citibank Park on Saturday night.

Facing Bears’ reliever Jason DiAngelo (2-7), the Ducks put the first three men on in the ninth to set up Nelson’s game winning hit.  Left-fielder Carl Everett led off with a single, centerfielder Ray Navarette reached on an error, and third baseman Dionys Cesar singled to load the bases.

Long Island held a 7-3 lead heading into the top of the eighth inning when the Bears sent nine men to the plate to tie the game.  Right-fielder Jose Herrera and designated hitter Joey Gomes led off with consecutive walks.  Catcher John Pachot and left-fielder Marcus Nettles followed with RBI singles to drive in Herrera and Gomes, respectively.  Centerfielder Keith Reed tied the game with a two-run single to left field.  The Bears completed their comeback in the top half of the ninth when they grabbed an 8-7 lead on Herrera’s eighth home run of the season. 

After the Bears took a 3-0 lead in the top of the third, the Ducks scored seven straight runs over the next five innings.  Offerman began the Ducks’ attack with a two-run home run in the bottom of the third to cut the deficit to 3-2.  In the fifth inning, first baseman P.J. Rose lined a single to center to score catcher Jamie Pogue and Everett followed with a three-run home run over the left-centerfield wall.  In the seventh, Long Island made it 7-3 on a sacrifice-fly by Cesar.

Ducks’ reliever Travis Wade (4-0) picked up the win.  He pitched the final two innings, allowing one run on three hits and three walks with two strikeouts.

The Bears will try to avoid the sweep in the third game of the series on Sunday evening at 5:05 PM.  Bears’ right-handed starter Harold Eckert (1-0) will face off against Ducks’ lefty Ed Yarnall (4-3).

###


______________________________________________

Ed Clinton

Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club

www.newarkbears.com

1-866-55-4BEAR