(Photo courtesy of Jim McKenzie)
(Staten Island, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Staten Island FerryHawks 8-2 in seven innings on Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game weekend series at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
Long Island took a 2-0 lead against Staten Island starting pitcher Nick Beardsley in the top half of the first inning thanks to a two-run home run off the batter’s eye in center field produced by Brantley Bell. The Flock took a 3-0 advantage in the third by way of an RBI double from Sam Travis.
The Ducks opened up an 8-0 advantage in the fourth as Bell was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Alex Dickerson followed right behind Bell by launching a grand slam home run over the right field wall, Dickerson’s team-leading 26th big fly overall and Long Island’s eighth grand slam hit in 2023. A Kevin Krause two-run home run in the home half of the frame off Long Island starter Kyle Lobstein got the FerryHawks to within 8-2, but they would get no closer as the Ducks close out the 2023 Battle of the Belt competition with a series sweep on the road.
Lobstein registered a no-decision, giving up two runs on five hits in four innings pitched, walking and striking out two. Beardsley (2-6) was tagged with the loss, allowing eight runs on seven hits in five innings on the mound, walking two while striking out one. Jack Anderson (1-0) notched his first win as a member of the Flock after firing two scoreless and hitless frames, walking one and striking out five.
Lew Ford led the offensive charge with three hits, including a double, along with three runs scored, a walk and a stolen base.
The Ducks continue their road trip on Tuesday night when they open a three-game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Clipper Magazine Stadium. Fans can follow the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander Augie Voight (0-0, 10.13) gets the nod for Long Island against a Barnstormers starter yet to be announced.
Long Island returns home on Friday, September 15, for their final home series of the regular season, a three-game set against the High Point Rockers. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Night at the Ballpark, and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Seat Cushions, courtesy of Good Samaritan University Hospital. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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