(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 11, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Gastonia Honey Hunters 7-5 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Kevin Santa gave Gastonia an immediate 1-0 lead when he led off the game with a solo home run to right field off Ducks starter Justin Alintoff. Long Island pulled even in the third on Jonathan Guzman’s RBI double to center off Honey Hunters starter Zach Mort.
A three-run fifth put the Ducks on top 4-1. Lew Ford’s two-run double to left-center and Sam Travis’ RBI single to center highlighted the inning. However, Braxton Davidson’s three-run homer to left-center in the sixth tied the game at four.
Alex Dickerson put the Ducks back in front in the seventh with a three-run homer to right-center. David Washington’s RBI single to right in the eighth closed the gap to 7-5, but Jose Jose escaped a two-on, no-out jam to keep the Ducks in front.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Alintoff pitched five and one-third innings, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four. Mort lasted five innings, yielding four runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts. Jose Jose (5-1) earned the win, tossing two innings of one-run ball, allowing a hit and two walks while striking out four. Trent Fennell (0-2) took the loss, conceding three runs on two hits and a walk with one strikeout in two innings. Kevin Quackenbush picked up his 13th save of the season with a scoreless ninth.
Dickerson led the Ducks offensively with three hits, three RBIs and a run. Ford added two hits, two RBIs and two runs.
The Ducks and Honey Hunters continue their three-game set on Saturday night. 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Farmingdale State College. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport. During the game, the Ducks will be selecting a lucky fan in the ballpark, who will win two roundtrips on Breeze Airways to any of their six non-stop destinations from Long Island MacArthur Airport. Left-hander Ian Clarkin (2-1, 4.34) takes the mound for the Ducks against Honey Hunters righty Sal Romano (2-4, 4.10).
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 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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