Long Island draws seven walks, bullpen fires four scoreless innings
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 19, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks were victorious over the Lancaster Barnstormers 3-1 in a seven-inning game on Saturday evening at Fairfield Properties Ballpark and have now evened up the three game Father’s Day weekend series at a victory apiece.
Lancaster took a 1-0 lead off Ducks starting pitcher Darin Downs in the top half of the second inning by way of a double steal as Alejandro de Aza hustled down the line from third base after LeDarious Clark beat the throw to second by Long Island catcher Sal Giardina.
The Flock answered right back with a pair of runs in the home half of the frame versus Barnstormers starter Yoel Espinal to take the lead 2-1 courtesy of Ryan Jackson crossing the plate on a passed ball charged to Lancaster backstop Anthony Peroni after Jackson opened up the inning with a single, and a run-scoring groundout off the bat of Jesse Berardi that allowed Rey Fuentes to cross the plate following a walk later in the inning.
Long Island took a 3-1 advantage in the fifth thanks to an RBI base knock from Giardina that scored Jackson who singled with one man away. The rest of the night belonged to the Ducks bullpen, as the quartet of Brady Dragmire, Hunter Cervenka, Anderson DeLeon, and Michael Tonkin did the rest, firing four scoreless innings, with Dragmire (1-0) tallying the win after not allowing a run on just three hits across one and two-thirds innings of work, while Tonkin notched his third save in as many opportunities on the young campaign with a perfect seventh, striking out two in the process.
Downs tallied a no-decision, allowing just one run on two hits in three innings pitched, striking out four. Espinal (1-2) was tagged with the loss, surrendering three runs on four hits in five innings on the mound, walking seven and striking out one.
Jackson led the Ducks with two hits, a walk, and two runs scored.
The Ducks and Barnstormers conclude their three-game weekend set on Sunday afternoon. Game time is slated for 1:35 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 12:35 (12:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 750 fans in attendance will receive an Atlantic League Champions Poster. It’s also a Bethpage Sunday Family Funday. Fans will be invited onto the field prior to first pitch for a pregame catch. Simply bring a baseball and gloves to the game to take part! After the game, kids (and kids at heart) can take part in the weekly tradition of running the bases. Right-hander Mike Bolsinger (1-3, 7.56) takes the mound for the Ducks against Barnstormers righty Dominic DiSabatino (1-2, 10.70).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by calling (631) 940-TIXX or by CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com as well as the Ducks official Facebook and YouTube accounts.
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)
The Atlantic League is the first Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing 42 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
###