(Central Islip, N.Y., July 20, 2024) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars 7-3 on Saturday evening in the middle game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The Ducks jumped out in front 1-0 in the home half of the first inning on a run-scoring single produced by Ryan McBroom versus Flying Boxcars starting pitcher Gunnar Groen. Long Island made it 4-0 in their favor in the third courtesy of a two-run double from Aaron Antonini and a run-scoring base hit off the bat of Joe Suozzi.
Hagerstown got to within 4-1 in the fourth on a Luis Diaz solo home run to right centerfield against Long Island starter Wei-Yin Chen. The Flock added a run in the fifth for a 5-1 cushion as Antonini crossed the plate on a throwing error committed by Osmy Gregorio. Ozzie Abreu’s bases loaded hit by pitch in the sixth cut the visitors deficit to 5-2, but Nick Heath’s leadoff roundtripper to right in the next half inning gave the Ducks a 6-2 advantage.
A Luis Diaz free pass with three runners on base in the seventh made it 6-3, but Jackie Bradley Jr.’s RBI double in the eighth gave the Flock some breathing room at 7-3.
Chen (4-5) registered the win after allowing one run on six hits over five innings pitched, walking and striking out three. Groen (0-3) suffered the loss, giving up four runs on seven hits in four innings of work, walking two while striking out three.
Antonini reached based in all four of his plate appearances with a single, double, two RBIs, a pair of runs scored, two walks and a stolen base.
The Ducks and Flying Boxcars wrap up their three-game set on Sunday night. Game time is slated for 5:05 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 4:05 (3:50 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Baseballs, courtesy of Yellow Dog Lawn Care. It’s also a Sunday Family Funday, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Prior to the game, fans are invited to have a catch on the field from 4:10 to 4:30. Following the game, fans are welcome back down to the field to take part in Kids Run the Bases. Right-hander Stephen Woods Jr. (5-4, 5.69) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Flying Boxcars righty Parker Markel (2-4, 5.92).
Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action live on FloBaseball by CLICKING HERE.
The Ducks are in their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, led all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance in 2023, and have sold out a record 710 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its third decade, 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. Over its 25-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,400 players to MLB organizations while drawing over 47 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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