(Central Islip, N.Y., May 27, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Gastonia Honey Hunters 5-3 on Friday night in the opener of a four-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Gastonia plated the game’s first run on a bloop RBI single to right field by Luis Castro in the second inning off Ducks starter Anderson DeLeon. The Ducks tied it at one in the bottom of the inning on Deven Marrero’s sacrifice fly to right, which plated Joe DeCarlo.
Both teams then exchanged zeroes until the top of the ninth when a two-out grand slam to right field by Emmanuel Tapia gave the Honey Hunters a 5-1 lead. Long Island rallied for two runs in the ninth on Jake Zarrello’s RBI single to right and Lew Ford’s sac fly to right, but the Ducks were unable to pull even.
Neither starter factored into the decision. DeLeon fired seven innings of one-run ball, allowing seven hits and three walks while striking out four batters. Gunn lasted four innings, giving up a run on three hits and three walks. Sam Bordner (5-2) picked up the win with a scoreless eighth inning, working around a hit and a walk. Sandy Baez (1-1) suffered the loss, surrendering four unearned runs on two hits and four walks over two innings with a pair of strikeouts.
L.J. Mazzilli led the Flock offensively with two hits.
The Ducks and Honey Hunters continue their four-game series 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. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport. During the game, one lucky fan will win a free roundtrip for two to any of Breeze Airways’ 28 destinations. Right-hander Akeel Morris (0-3, 8.31) takes the mound for the Ducks against Honey Hunters lefty John Anderson (2-3, 2.14).
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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