Lombardozzi’s two-out, two-run homer the difference in a six-homer ballgame
(Photo courtesy of Joe Doll)
(Lexington, Ky., Sept. 21, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lexington Legends 6-5 on Tuesday night in the opening game of a three-game series at Lexington Legends Ballpark.
The Ducks erupted for three runs in the opening inning against Legends starter J.J. Hoover. Vladimir Frias led off the game with a solo home run to center field, and both Hector Sanchez and Ramon Flores added RBI singles. Lexington grabbed their first run of the game in the bottom of the first on an RBI single to center by Denis Phipps off Ducks starter Matt Dallas. A two-out, two-run homer to left-center by Tillman Pugh in the second tied the game at three.
Deibinson Romero put the Ducks back in front with a leadoff solo homer down the left field line in the third. However, leadoff homers by Courtney Hawkins in the third and Pugh in the fourth put the Legends in front 5-4. Long Island went back ahead for good in the sixth on a two-out, two-run homer to left-center by Steve Lombardozzi.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Dallas pitched four innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out five. Hoover lasted five innings, conceding four runs on eight hits and three walks with two strikeouts. Brendan Feldmann (7-4) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing two walks while striking out three. Robert Carson (2-3) took the loss, giving up two runs on three hits and a walk in two innings. Rob Griswold picked up his fifth save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning.
Lombardozzi led the Flock offensively with two hits, two RBIs, two runs and a walk. Romero added two hits, an RBI, two runs and two walks.
The Ducks and Legends continue their three-game series on Wednesday morning. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 a.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 as well as on the Ducks official Facebook page and YouTube channel. Right-hander Joe Iorio (11-2, 4.76) takes the mound for the Ducks against Legends righty Zac Wescott (1-0, 1.13).
Long Island returns home on Friday, October 1, to begin a three-game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers. 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 750 fans in attendance will receive a Ducks Action Poster. It’s also a Flash Sale Friday, and fans will be able to enjoy an exclusive offer on tickets to a future Ducks game from 1:00-3:00 p.m. by calling (631) 940-TIXX. 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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