(Photo courtesy of Jim McKenzie)
(High Point, N.C., July 21, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the High Point Rockers 8-2 on Friday evening in the opening game of a three-game series at Truist Point.
The Ducks took a 2-0 lead in the top half of the fourth inning versus Rockers starting pitcher Ryan Weiss thanks to a two-run home run to right center field off the bat of Brian Goodwin. Long Island made it 4-0 in their favor in the fifth as Alex Dickerson drove home Joe DeCarlo and Boog Powell with a two-run double after DeCarlo and Powell both singled earlier in the frame.
The Flock broke the contest open in the sixth as they scored three more times for a 7-0 advantage with two of the three runs coming home by way of RBI base knocks from Jonathan Guzman and Powell that enabled Carlos Castro and DeCarlo to cross the plate, and the visitors put the finishing touches on their eight-run performance thanks to a run-scoring groundout by Powell that drove home Guzman after he reached by way of an opposite-field ground rule double to right with one man down.
The run support was more than enough for Long Island starting pitcher and winner Kyle Lobstein (2-2), who fired eight scoreless innings on just four hits allowed while striking out nine and not walking a batter. Weiss (5-3) was tagged with the loss, surrendering seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits (one home run) in five and one-third innings pitched, striking out a pair while not issuing a walk.
Dickerson led the way offensively for the Flock with three more hits along with two RBIs and a run scored.
Long Island and High Point continue their three-game set on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Truist Point. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander Joe Iorio (3-5, 6.97) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Rockers left-hander Justin Nicolino (2-0, 4.50).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, July 25, to open a three-game series against the Spire City Ghost Hounds. 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 Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. 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.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 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)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, 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. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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