(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 14, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Charleston Dirty Birds 10-6 on Sunday evening in the rubber game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Lew Ford launched the Ducks in front early with a two-run home run to left field in the first inning off Dirty Birds starter Joe Testa. Charleston answered with four runs in the second off Ducks starter Joe Iorio to take a 4-2 lead. RBI doubles by Anfernee Seymour and Nick Heath plus a two-run homer to left by Alfredo Gonzalez did the damage. Joe DeCarlo’s RBI single to left-center in the bottom of the frame trimmed the Ducks deficit to one.
Yovan Gonzalez increased the Dirty Birds lead to 6-3 in the third with a two-run homer to left. Long Island got both runs back in the bottom of third on Carlos Castro’s RBI single and DeCarlo’s run-scoring fielder’s choice. Ford then tied the game at six in the fourth with a solo homer over the left-center field fence.
Charleston took the lead back in the sixth on a sac fly to center off the bat of Seymour, and Devon Torrence scored on a balk in the seventh to make it an 8-6 game. Yovan Gonzalez’s two-run single to right in the ninth rounded out the scoring.
Iorio did not factor into the decision but lasted three innings, giving up six runs on eight hits and three walks with two strikeouts. Testa (1-5) picked up the win despite allowing six runs over five innings, yielding eight hits and a walk while striking out five. Chris Cepeda (3-1) suffered the loss, conceding an unearned run on one hit and one walk over two innings with one strikeout.
Ford led the Flock offensively with two homers, three RBIs and two runs scored.
The Ducks continue their homestand on Tuesday night when they open a three-game series against the Staten Island FerryHawks. 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). It’s 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. Right-hander Scott Harkin (8-6, 4.70) gets the start for the Ducks against FerryHawks righty Hector Guance (3-5, 6.92).
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 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.
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