Long Island kicks off 2021 season with twin bill split
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 29, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks and Lexington Legends split a day/night doubleheader on Saturday at Fairfield Properties Ballpark to begin the 2021 season, with the Ducks shutting out the Legends 5-0 in the opener before falling in the nightcap 9-8. Both games were seven-inning contests.
L.J. Mazzilli opened the scoring in game one with a two-out RBI single to center field in the third inning off Legends starter Mike Hauschild. Two innings later, Johnni Turbo scored on an error off the bat of Brock Stassi, making it a 2-0 game. Long Island rounded out the scoring with a three-run sixth inning. Daniel Fields scored on a passed ball, Juan De La Cruz was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Ryan Jackson drew a bases loaded walk.
Akeel Morris tossed four scoreless innings for the Ducks, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out six, but he did not factor into the decision. Jose Cuas (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Hauschild (0-1) took the loss, surrendering two runs (one earned) on five hits and five walks over four innings with three strikeouts.
Keon Barnum gave the Legends the early lead in game two with a first-inning RBI single off Ducks starter Mike Bolsinger. Lew Ford answered in the bottom of the inning with a two-out, two-run single to left field off Legends starter Kevin McGowan, putting the Flock on top 2-1.
Lexington built an 8-2 lead with two-spots in the second and third innings and three more runs in the fourth. Solo homers from Jake Romanski and Ben Aklinski, along with a two-run double by Roberto Baldoquin, highlighted the run-scoring.
The Legends led 9-3 going into the bottom of the seventh before the Ducks plated five runs to close within 9-8. An RBI single by Jackson, a three-run double by Sal Giardina and an RBI double by Hector Sanchez closed the gap to one, but the tying run was stranded on base.
McGowan (1-0) earned the win, tossing five innings, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out six. Bolsinger (0-1) suffered the loss, yielding three runs on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts over two innings. Derek Self picked up his first save of the season after recording the game’s final out.
The Ducks and Legends play the third game of their four-game series on Sunday afternoon. Game time is slated for 1:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 12:35 (12:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 750 fans in attendance will receive 2019 Atlantic League Champions Posters. It’s also a Sunday Family Funday, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Prior to the game, fans will be invited onto the field for a pregame catch from 12:40 to 1:05. After the game, kids and kids at heart can take part in Kids Run the Bases. Both events are weather dependent.
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by calling (631) 940-TIXX or by CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com as well as the Ducks official Facebook and YouTube accounts.
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)
The Atlantic League is the first Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing 42 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
###