(July 24, 2021 – York, Pa.): The York Revolution bullpen turned in an outstanding effort but the offense struggled to get going in a 5-2 loss to the Long Island Ducks on Saturday night at PeoplesBank Park. The Revs will look to avoid a sweep and snap the Ducks’ 11-game winning streak in Sunday’s finale at 2 p.m.
Long Island built an early lead with a big first inning as eight straight reached against Revs starter Jake Welch. Four of those eight scored on just one hit for a 4-0 Ducks lead. With the bases loaded, Steve Lombardozzi scored on a wild pitch. Ryan Jackson brought in two runs on a double to left and Daniel Fields worked a bases loaded walk for the final run.
York got on the board in the fourth with back-to-back extra base hits. Josue Herrera led it off with a double high off the Arch Nemesis in left and moved to third on a throwing error. The next batter, Osmy Gregorio belted an RBI triple to right to make it 4-1.
The Revs bats sparked up again in the eighth. James Harris ripped a leadoff double off the Arch-Nemesis and with two outs, Nellie Rodriguez brought Harris home on a single to left, cutting Long Island’s lead to 4-2 and extending his hitting streak to nine consecutive games.
The Ducks added an insurance run in the ninth, however, on a bases loaded walk to Deibinson Romero providing the final 5-2 margin.
York’s bullpen was outstanding in keeping the Revs in the game all night. Coming in with one out in the first inning, righty Eduardo Rivera gave York a fighting chance with 5.2 scoreless relief innings. In what tied the longest relief outing in a game in franchise history, Rivera allowed just three total base runners on a single and two walks to go along with three strikeouts.
Victor Capellan and Bubby Rossman followed with shutout frames, while Jim Fuller was tagged with an unearned run in the ninth. The bullpen allowed just two hits in 8.2 innings as Long Island managed only three hits for the game compared to York’s 10 hits
Sunday’s finale will see Bruce Bell (0-0) head to the mound for his third start. The Ducks will send Joe Iorio (4-1) to the bump. Sunday is All Holidays Celebration with food and drink specials all over the park including Valentines Sundae, Red/white/blue ring pops, hot dog flash sale, and a Christmas Drink at Closer's Bar. Sunday also features a Crab Feast presented by Captain Bob's Crabs. Sundays feature Bark in the Park: well-mannered dogs can join their owners at the ballpark! Every Sunday is Sunday Family Fun Day presented by Weis Markets: featuring pre-game autograph sessions, catch on the field before the game (1-1:30pm) and kids run the bases after the game! Tickets are available at yorkrevolution.com, 717-801-HITS, or in-person at the Shipley Energy Ticket Office.
Notes: Rivera’s 5.2 innings tie the longest relief outing in club history, matching Rick Zagone’s outing vs. Bridgeport on July 17, 2013. Rivera doubled in the bottom of the second inning for his first career base hit.