CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Winning both ends of a doubleheader is usually a challenging task for any professional baseball team. Sweeping two twin-bills in one week is even more difficult, though the Ducks capitalized on strong starting pitching and unlikely offensive heroes to win two shortened games against the Somerset Patriots at Citibank Park. John Halama saw his start pushed back 24 hours after the Ducks lefty only threw four pitches Thursday. The ensuing rainout necessitated the doubleheader last night, though Halama was not fazed by the extra day’s rest. The former Mariners starter allowed just one run in six innings to propel the Ducks to a 3-1 win in the second game.

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CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — All the elements were in place for John Riedling to record the first no-hitter of his professional career, including the requisite solid defense, smart pitch location and strong defensive play. Thanks to a rain out the night before, the Ducks and Somerset Patriots played a doubleheader, which features two seven-innings games as per Atlantic League rules. Despite the shortened contest, a no-hitter officially counts in those circumstances, meaning Riedling already enjoyed a pre-existing six-out advantage. The righty took advantage, not allowing a hit until Anton French hit a clean single to right with two outs in the sixth. Riedling lost the no-hitter, but captured his first win of the season thanks to a three-run fourth inning and Todd Erdos’ magnificent relief appearance in the seventh to secure a 3-2 win over Somerset in the opener.

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