(Central Islip, N.Y., May 6, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Gastonia Honey Hunters 3-1 on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The Ducks opened the scoring in the bottom of the third inning on Adeiny Hechavarria’s sacrifice fly to center field off Honey Hunters starter Zack Godley. Gastonia tied the game immediately in the fourth on Curtis Terry’s solo homer to left-center off Ducks starter Stephen Tarpley.
It stayed that way until the bottom of the bottom of the sixth when Philip Caulfield’s RBI single to right put the Ducks back on top 2-1. Boog Powell’s two-out drag bunt RBI single in the eighth extended the lead to two.
Tarpley did not factor into the decision but pitched four innings, allowing a run on two hits and four walks while striking out four. Joe Kuzia (1-0) earned the win, tossing two and one-third perfect innings, striking out six batters. Godley (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering two runs on seven hits and three walks over five and one-third innings while striking out five. Justin Alintoff picked up his first save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out two.
Powell led the Flock offensively, recording three hits, an RBI, two walks and a stolen base. Joe DeCarlo added three hits and a run scored, while Caulfield chipped in with two hits and an RBI.
The Ducks and Honey Hunters wrap up their three-game set on Sunday afternoon. Game time is slated for 1:35 p.m., with Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 12:35 (12:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s Women’s Health Day at the ballpark, presented by Good Samaritan University Hospital. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Ducks 2023 Magnet Schedules. It’s also a Sunday Family Funday, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union! Prior to the game, fans will be invited down for a Catch on the Field from 12:40 to 1:00. After the game, fans of all ages are also invited to take part in Kids Run the Bases. Right-hander Brett Kennedy (0-0, 4.50) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Honey Hunters southpaw Ian McKinney (0-0, 4.50).
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 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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