Long Island belts three home runs en route to their seventh consecutive victory
(Lexington, Ky., July 20, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lexington Legends 17-6 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game midweek series as well as the inaugural contest ever played at Lexington Legends Ballpark for the Flock.
Long Island sent ten batters to the plate in the top half of the first inning versus Lexington starting pitcher Henry Owens, scoring six two-out runs in the process, highlighted by a three-run home run to left field off the bat of Ryan Jackson and a bases clearing doubled produced by Breland Almadova.
The Legends cut the deficit to 6-2 in the home half of the frame against Ducks starting pitcher Joe Iorio as Jordan Pacheco plated a pair with a two-base hit of his own. Leading 8-4, the Flock broke the ballgame wide open in the top of the sixth, scoring seven more times to take a commanding 15-4 advantage as the visitors continued to flex their muscles by cracking two more home runs when Steve Lombardozzi and Hector Sanchez each belted three-run shots. Lombardozzi has now reached base safely in 30 of his last 32 games played dating back to the middle of June.
Iorio (4-1) earned the victory, allowing four runs on five hits (one home run) across six innings pitched, walking three while striking out four and hitting a batter. Owens (1-2) was tagged with the loss, surrendering eight runs on eight hits (one home run) in four and two-thirds innings of work, walking four and striking out one.
Jackson led the offensive attack with four hits while driving in five and scoring twice. Lombardozzi, Sanchez, Almedova and Deibinson Romero each plated three runs. L.J. Mazzilli drew a pair of walks to extend his on-base streak to a team-best 25 straight games overall.
The Ducks continue their three-game series against the Lexington Legends on Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. at Lexington Legends Ballpark. Fans 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. Left-hander Darin Downs (1-1, 3.20) gets the nod for the Ducks against Legends righty J.J Hoover (2-1, 4.88).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, July 27, to begin a three-game series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. 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). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Baseball Caps, courtesy of Stony Brook Children’s. It’s also a Triple Play Tuesday! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. 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.
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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