(Photo courtesy of Worth Canoy)
(Lancaster, Pa., Aug. 17, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Lancaster Barnstormers 9-6 on Thursday night in the final game of a three-game series at Clipper Magazine Stadium.
The Ducks struck first for two runs in the opening inning against Barnstormers starter Jeff Bain on Sam Travis’ RBI fielder’s choice and Alex Dickerson’s RBI double. An RBI single by Ariel Sandoval in the bottom of the first off Ducks starter Ian Clarkin trimmed the Ducks lead to 2-1. However, Jonathan Guzman singled, took third on a wild pitch and scored on an error in the second to restore the Ducks two-run lead at 3-1.
Solo homers to right field by Yeison Coca and Wilson Garcia in the bottom of the third tied the game at three. RBI singles by Guzman and Trent Taylor in the fourth put the Flock back on top 5-3, but Jack Conley’s RBI single and Andretty Cordero’s sac fly in the bottom of the inning tied the game at five.
Lancaster took the lead in the sixth on Melvin Mercedes’ RBI single and a double steal in which Mercedes scored from third. Boog Powell’s solo homer to right in the seventh trimmed the Barnstormers lead to 7-6, but back-to-back two-out RBI singles by Conley and Mercedes in the bottom of the inning made it a three-run game.
Clarkin did not factor into the decision but tossed five innings, allowing five runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out four. Bain (4-2) picked up the win, tossing six innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits with one strikeout. Sam Kessler (0-1) took the loss, conceding two runs (one earned) on a hit and three walks in one inning of relief. Mike Adams collected his eighth save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out two.
Guzman led the Flock offensively with two hits, an RBI and a run. Dickerson added two hits, an RBI and a walk.
The Ducks return home on Friday night to begin a three-game set against the Charleston Dirty Birds. 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). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Cooling Towels, courtesy of Merch & Swag. It’s also a Tap Room Friday at the ballpark, and Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for 20% off your entire meal at The Tap Room as fans exit the ballpark following the game. It’s a Grand Slam Friday as well, and the sixth inning will be designated as the Grand Slam Inning. If the Ducks fourth batter of the inning launches a home run with the bases loaded, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Right-hander Joe Iorio (3-7, 6.64) gets the start for the Ducks against Dirty Birds lefty Derrick Adams (4-7, 5.55).
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. Those unable to make the game can follow the action live on Flo Baseball by 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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