(Central Islip, N.Y., June 24, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Lancaster Barnstormers 11-5 in 11 innings on Friday night in the opener of a four-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Lancaster jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning against Ducks starter Anderson DeLeon. Andretty Cordero’s bloop RBI single to right field and Colton Shaver’s three-run home run to left field did the damage. Long Island answered with a run in the second and three in the third off Barnstormers starter Cameron Gann to tie the game at four. RBI singles by Deibinson Romero, Sam Travis and Rusney Castillo plus and RBI double by Vladimir Frias highlighted the scoring.
Kelly Dugan’s long solo homer to center in the fifth put the Barnstormers in front 5-4. However, the Ducks tied the game again in the seventh when L.J. Mazzilli scored on a throwing error by Cordero. Neither side then dented home plate until the 11th inning when Lancaster exploded for six runs. Anthony Peroni’s RBI triple and RBI singles from Trace Loehr, Melvin Mercedes, Dugan and Anderson Feliz highlighted the inning.
Neither starter factored into the decision. DeLeon threw five innings of five-run ball, allowing eight hits and three walks while striking out four. Gann lasted just two and two-thirds innings, giving up four runs on seven hits with four strikeouts. Cole Aker (1-1) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief. Kai-Wei Lin (1-2) took the loss, giving up five runs (three earned) on four hits in one inning of relief.
The Ducks and Barnstormers continue their series on Saturday night with a single admission doubleheader. Game time for game one is slated for 5:05 p.m. with the ballpark gates opening at 4:30 for all fans. First pitch for game two is scheduled for 30 minutes after the completion of game one, and both games are slated for seven innings. Following the twin bill, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, presented by UBS Financial Services. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport. During the doubleheader, the Ducks will be selecting a lucky fan in the ballpark, who will win a free roundtrip for two to any of Breeze Airways’ 28 destinations. Right-hander Akeel Morris (3-4, 5.43) takes the mound for the Ducks in game one against Barnstormers righty Oscar De La Cruz (2-0, 5.22). Left-hander Cody Beckman (1-1, 6.38) toes the rubber for Long Island in game two against Lancaster righty Erik Manoah (1-1, 4.66).
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 on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com as well as on the Ducks official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8 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)
The Atlantic League is the first Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. The ALPB has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing 44 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. For more information, please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
###