ATLANTIC CITY - The Long Island Ducks defeated the Atlantic City Surf 6-5 Thursday night at Bernie Robbins Stadium behind a five-run sixth inning.

The defeat left the Surf's magic number to clinch a playoff spot at three; as Camden and Newark were battling in an 8-8 deadlock at press time.

Atlantic City wasted a stellar effort from Clyde Williams, who blasted two homers for the Surf _ his 19th and 20th. The Surf took a 4-1 lead into the sixth inning when the Ducks exploded for five runs. Greg Connors' towering homer to left, his fifth, became the eventual winning run for Long Island.

The Ducks are now 31-27; Atlantic City is 33-26.

Pat Mahomes, 11-4, got the victory for Long Island despite giving up seven hits and four runs in five innings of work.. Andy High, 7-7, took the loss for Atlantic City. High gave up six hits and six runs in 5 2/3 innings of work.

Kevin Tolar picked up his 16th save for Long Island.

The two teams finish the series Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. when Atlantic City's Mark Persails goes against Long Island's Bill Pulsipher.