Long Island plates 11 runs on 13 hits to earn second straight win
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 14, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the West Virginia Power 11-7 on Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The Power took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning on an RBI single to center field by Norberto Susini off Ducks starter Joe Iorio. The Ducks tied it in the bottom of the frame on Hector Sanchez’s RBI single off Power starter Arik Sikula. West Virginia took the lead back in the third on Scott Kelly’s solo homer to left, but a three-run bottom of the frame put Long Island ahead 4-2. Lew Ford’s RBI double and Ryan Jackson’s two-run double did the damage.
Steve Lombardozzi’s RBI triple down the right field line in the fourth made it a 5-2 game. The Power closed the gap to one with single runs in the fifth and sixth on RBI singles from Alberto Callaspo and Kelly. However, Ben Farias’ RBI double in the sixth, along with a sac fly to right by Sanchez and an RBI single to right by Jesse Berardi in the seventh, pushed the Ducks advantage up to 8-4.
West Virginia grabbed a pair of unearned runs in the eighth on an RBI fielder’s choice off the bat of Teodoro Martinez and a bases loaded walk to Callaspo. Sal Giardina responded with a three-run home run over the right-center field wall in the bottom of the inning to round out the scoring for the Flock.
Iorio (3-1) picked up the win, tossing five innings of three-run ball, allowing eight hits and a walk while striking out three. Sikula (2-5) took the loss, giving up five runs on seven hits and four walks over five innings with two strikeouts. Danny Barnes collected his first save, yielding a run on two hits and a walk in one and one-third innings.
Jackson led the Flock offensively with two hits, two RBIs, three runs and three walks. Giardina added two hits, three RBIs, two runs and a walk.
The Ducks and Power wrap up their three-game set on Thursday 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). It’s a Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark! Fans can enjoy a buy one, get one half-off special on all beer served in the ballpark. Left-hander Darin Downs (0-1, 4.42) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Power righty Junior Figueroa (1-0, 3.60).
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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