Three-hit nights for Flores and Bottari lead Flock in rout
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 31, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Gastonia Honey Hunters 15-3 on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Gastonia took a 2-0 lead in the second inning on RBI singles by Jake Skole and Ermindo Escobar off Ducks starter Joe Iorio. Long Island tied the game with single runs in the second and third off Honey Hunters starter William Kirwan on Sal Giardina’s RBI double down the right field line and Steve Lombardozzi’s solo home run to right.
The Ducks took the lead in the fourth on another two-out RBI double by Giardina. One inning later, Ramon Flores drove a grand slam over the wall in left to increase Long Island’s advantage to 7-2. The Flock then put the game out of reach with seven-run seventh inning. Nick Bottari’s RBI single, Johnni Turbo’s RBI double and a two-run single by Deibinson Romero highlighted the frame. Turbo’s sac fly to right in the eighth rounded out the scoring for the Flock.
Iorio (6-1) earned the win, tossing seven innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out four. Kirwan (3-5) took the loss, yielding five runs on nine hits and a walk over four and one-third innings with one strikeout.
Flores led the Flock offensively with three hits, four RBIs and three runs scored. Bottari added three hits of his own and a walk, driving in a run and scoring twice.
The Ducks and Honey Hunters wrap up their three-game set on Sunday evening. Game time is slated for 5:05 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 4:05 (3:50 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Baseballs, courtesy of Yellow Dog Lawn Care. 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 4:10 to 4:30. After the game, fans of all ages are also invited to take part in Kids Run the Bases. Right-hander Vin Mazzaro (1-1, 7.04) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Honey Hunters righty Spencer Bivens (1-0, 6.00).
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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