Able to snap out of a hitless funk, Long Island's Juan Francia singled in the game-winning run with one out in the bottom of the ninth. The hit propelled the Long Island Ducks to a 3-2 victory against the York Revolution, allowing the Ducks to recover after blowing a two-run lead in the eighth inning at Citibank Park in Central Islip, N.Y.

The Ducks (33-29) needed a leadoff walk by Johnny Hernandez and a sacrifice bunt to set up the walkoff victory. Chris Britton (0-3) pitched a scoreless eighth but took the loss after Francia singled on the first pitch thrown by Revs reliever Daryl Harang.

Still looking for a series victory on the road, the Revs (21-42) return to Pennsylvania to play a four-game set in Lancaster.

Struggling to scratch out hits against Ducks starter Julio Manon, the Revs managed to tie the game against Long Island's bullpen when Tom Collaro drew a bases-loaded walk, and Jason Aspito hit a sacrifice fly.

The late-game rally ruined Manon's gem, he pitched seven scoreless innings of five-hit ball but did not earn a decision. He struck out two and walked two.

The Revs appeared to have the momentum after scoring in the eighth. In the bottom half of the inning, catcher Josh Johnson threw out a would-be base-stealer, and outfielder Ryan Goleski made a sliding grab to end the frame. Goleski hit a two-out double in the top of the ninth but was left stranded.

Revs starter Dave Gassner kept York in the game, but he did not

Advertisement
earn a decision. He allowed two earned runs. He struck out four and walked two.

Former league MVP Victor Rodriguez hit RBI singles in the first and sixth innings to provide the Ducks with some early runs. Long Island reliever Bill Simas (3-1) earned the victory.

* * *

Notes: York makes its first trip to Lancaster's Clipper Magazine Stadium today. ... Lancaster leads the season series, 5-1. Lancaster can take back the Community Cup if it wins five more games. The teams play an 18-game season series. ... York's Matt Rogelstad has batted .457 (7-for-15) against Lancaster in four games this season; Lancaster's Lloyd Turner has batted .400 (10-for-25) in six games.

jseip@ydr.com; 771-2025