(Central Islip, N.Y., July 31, 2026) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Staten Island FerryHawks 8-4 on Friday evening in the fourth game of a six-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The Ducks took a 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the second inning thanks to a 403-foot leadoff solo home run to the opposite-field in right center off the bat of Marcus Chiu versusFerryHawks starting pitcher Wilber Perez. Long Island took a 4-0 advantage in the third on Gavin Collins’ 351-foot three-run roundtripper to left.
The visitors cut the deficit to 4-3 in the sixth on an Alfredo Gonzalez two-run single and an Andrew Semo bases loaded hit by pitch, but the Flock answered right back with three runs of their own in the bottom of the frame on a Terrell Tatum RBI double, two FerryHawks errors and a wild pitch. Blake Rutherford’s solo home run to straightaway centerfield in the seventh made it a three-run ballgame, but Long Island answered the call again to regain a four-run cushion on Chiu’s run-scoring triple in the bottom of the inning.
Ducks starter Drew VerHagen (1-0) picked up his first victory in a Long Island uniform as the right-hander fired five scoreless innings on just three hits allowed, walking one and striking out a season-high seven batters. Perez (0-2) suffered the loss, giving up four runs on eight hits in four and two-thirds innings pitched, walking one and striking out two.
Collins had two hits, three RBIs and two runs scored. Chiu had three hits, two RBIs and a run scored. Alsander Womack contributed with a single and a double in four at bats en route to the victory.
The Ducks and FerryHawks continue their six-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 PSEG Long Island. It will also be a Long Island MacArthur Airport Lucky Seat Saturday at the ballpark. Left-hander Rio Gomez (0-0, 2.84) gets the start for the Ducks against FerryHawks righty Wilber Perez (0-1, 9.00).
Tickets to the game and all Ducks games are now available and can be purchased by visiting the ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action live on Dugout TV, powered by HomeTeam Network. Subscribe today by CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are entering their 26th 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, have led all MLB Partner Leagues in total attendance for five consecutive seasons, and have sold out a record 726 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 27-year history, the ALPB has sent over 1,450 players to MLB organizations while drawing nearly 50 million fans to its 10 state-of-the-art ballparks that stretch from New York to North Carolina. Follow the action on DugoutTV.org.
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