(Central Islip, N.Y., May 10, 2024) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars 7-6 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The Flying Boxcars took a two-run lead in the first inning on a leadoff solo home run to right field by Magneuris Sierra off Ducks starter Daniel Corcino and an RBI single to center by Osvaldo Abreu. The Ducks responded with four runs in the bottom of the first against Flying Boxcars starter Joe Palumbo on Jackie Bradley Jr’s solo home to right and bases loaded walks by Aaron Antonini, Manuel Geraldo and Scott Kelly.
An RBI fielder’s choice off the bat of Geraldo in the third extended Long Island’s advantage to 5-2. Hagerstown closed to within a run in the fourth on Mike Gulino’s RBI fielder’s choice and Sierra’s RBI single to center. An RBI single to right by Welington Dotel in the fifth tied the game at five, but an RBI single through the left side by Kelly in the bottom of the frame put the Ducks back in front by a run.
Antonini pushed the lead to 7-5 in the sixth with a sac fly to center. Hagerstown pulled back to within a run in the eighth on Sierra’s RBI single to left. The visitors then put the tying run on second with nobody out in the ninth inning, but they could not pull even.
Corcino (1-0) picked up the win, tossing five innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits and three walks while striking out three. Rafael Kelley (0-1) took the loss, giving up an unearned run on two hits and a walk in one and one-third innings. Tyler Zuber earned his second save of the season with a scoreless ninth, striking out two.
Antonini led the Ducks offense with two hits, two RBIs and a run. Bradley Jr. chipped in with two hits, an RBI and a run, while Rixon Wingrove added two hits and two runs.
The Ducks and Flying Boxcars 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. It’s also a Long Island MacArthur Airport Lucky Seat Saturday! During the game, one lucky fan will win two round trip tickets on Breeze Airways to any of their six non-stop destinations from MacArthur Airport. Right-hander Charlie Neuweiler (0-1, 8.52) takes the mound for the Ducks against Flying Boxcars righty Nick Trabacchi (0-1, 7.00).
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 live on FloBaseball by CLICKING HERE.
The Ducks are in their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, led all MLB Partner Leagues in attendance in 2023, and have sold out a record 706 games all-time. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its third decade, 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. Over its 25-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,400 players to MLB organizations while drawing over 47 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks. Please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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