ATLANTIC CITY - The Long Island Ducks defeated the Atlantic City Surf 3-2 Thursday night before 2158 at Bernie Robbins Stadium.

The defeat left the Surf's magic number at two to eliminate Camden and clinch a playoff spot. Long Island's Carlos Hernandez hit a two-out single to left to score Jayson Bass in the top of the ninth inning to give the Ducks the victory. Long Island took three of four from the Surf in a crucial series for Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is now 33-27 in the second half; 66-57 overall.

Long Island is 32-27 in the second half; 71-51 overall.

Tim Cain, 5-4. got the victory for Long Island in relief of starter Bill Pulsipher. Pulsipher showed whay he might be a force in the playoffs for the Ducks as he worked six innings and only allowed six hits and two runs, one of which was earned.

The Surf got a good outing from Mark Persails who went 5 2/3 ionnings and allowed four hits and two runs, one of which was earned. Demetrius Heath and Dario Delgado had the only RBIs for the Surf.

Ray Navarrette and Eric Almonte had RBIs for the Ducks.

The Surf now entertain the Newark Bears Friday night at Bernie Robbins Stadium where it will be Arturo Gatti bobblehead night. The first 1,000 fans will receive Arturo Gatti bobblehead dolls.