Lombardozzi’s two hits not enough to claim series against Rockers
(High Point, N.C., May 23, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the High Point Rockers 5-2 on Thursday night in the finale of a three-game series at BB&T Point.
High Point took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI double to left field by Hector Gomez. A sacrifice fly to center off the bat of Giovanny Alfonzo in the second increased the Rockers lead to two.
Long Island rallied to tie the game with single runs in the sixth and eighth innings. An RBI single to center by Steve Lombardozzi and an RBI double to left by Kirk Nieuwenhuis evened the score at two.
However, the Rockers responded with three runs in the bottom of the eighth to go ahead for good. Quincy Latimore’s RBI single through the left side and Brett Austin’s two-run homer to right did the damage.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Ducks starter Alec Asher pitched five innings, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out three. Rockers starter Matt Sergey threw four scoreless innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two. Sam Runion (1-1) picked up the win despite allowing a run on two hits in one inning. Vin Mazzaro (1-2) took the loss, giving up three runs on three hits in one inning. Trevor Frank earned his eighth save with a scoreless ninth, striking out two.
Lombardozzi led the Flock with two hits, an RBI, a run scored and a walk. Rey Fuentes added two hits and a run.
The Ducks return home on Friday to open a three-game series against the Sugar Land Skeeters. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular. In addition, Ducks staff members will be handing out coupons for a free regular sub (no purchase necessary) and $2 off any size sub at Jersey Mike’s Subs to fans as they exit the ballpark. Left-hander Darin Downs (0-1, 3.96) gets the start for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Mitch Talbot (1-2, 4.22).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the 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 video and audio will be available via BoxCast on LIDucks.com, Facebook Live and the Ducks official YouTube channel.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, 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 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
###
