Frias and Mazzilli help Ducks put together another outstanding display
(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 6, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 11-7 on Monday afternoon in the finale of a four-game Labor Day weekend wraparound series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Lancaster took a 1-0 advantage against Long Island starting pitcher Joe Iorio in the top half of the first inning when Caleb Gindl hit a solo home run to right field on the fourth pitch of the ballgame thrown by the right-hander. LeDarious Clark’s leadoff solo tater to right in the second gave the visitors a 2-0 cushion. The Barnstormers made it 3-0 in their favor in the fifth as Gindl plated Jake Hoover by way of a fielder’s choice.
The Ducks sent ten batters to the plate in the home half of the sixth versus Lancaster starter Augie Silk and reliever Donald Goodson, scoring six times to turn their early deficit into a 6-3 lead. The rally began with Lew Ford plating Johnni Turbo and Vladimir Frias with a two-run single after Turbo led off the inning with a walk while Frias tallied a base knock of his own. The next man up was L.J. Mazzilli, who put the home team out in front to stay with a two RBI double into the left field corner that scored Steve Lombardozzi and Ford. The rally concluded with Hector Sanchez launching a towering two-run home run to right for his third roundtripper in the last two games as the Ducks put on a baserunning clinic, stealing six bases in the frame. The Flock made it 7-3 in their favor in the seventh courtesy of a run-scoring single from Lombardozzi that enabled Frias to cross the plate while Sanchez drove in another pair with a base hit right back through the originator as the 2021 First Half North Division Champions never looked back.
Iorio (9-2) picked up the victory, allowing three runs on six hits (two home runs) in six and two-thirds innings pitched, walking one and striking out three while hitting one batter to collect his ninth quality start on the campaign. Silk tallied a no-decision, surrendering three runs on three hits across five plus innings of work, walking and striking out three. Goodson (2-3) suffered the loss, giving up three runs on three hits (one home run) in one inning on the mound, walking one and tossing a wild pitch. Frias, Mazzilli, and Sanchez led the way with three hits apiece, with Sanchez driving home four.
The Long Island Ducks continue their homestand on Tuesday, September 7, when they open a three-game series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s Golden Ticket Night at the ballpark! It’s also a Triple Play Tuesday! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. Left-hander Darin Downs (2-4, 5.12) toes the rubber for the Flock against Blue Crabs southpaw Misael Siverio (1-5, 7.47).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased 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 in the Ducks Video Center on the homepage 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, and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call (631) 940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With teams throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 42 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 24-year history. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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