Long Island scores two in sixth and two in ninth to earn road win
(Photo courtesy of Joe Doll)
(High Point, N.C., Aug. 17, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the High Point Rockers 4-2 on Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at BB&T Point.
High Point opened the scoring in the second inning when Quincy Latimore hit a solo home run left field off Ducks starter Joe Iorio. An RBI groundout to shortstop from Latimore in the fourth extended the Rockers lead to two.
Long Island rallied to tie the game in the top of the sixth off Rockers starter Dominic DeMasi. An RBI single to left field by L.J. Mazzilli and a run-scoring fielder’s choice off the bat of Lew Ford evened the score at two.
It stayed that way until the top of the ninth inning. Vladimir Frias reached on an RBI fielder’s choice, scoring John Apostolo. Daniel Fields then scored on the same play due to a throwing error, giving the Ducks a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Iorio lasted five and one-third innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five. DeMasi pitched eight innings of two-run ball, yielding seven hits with five strikeouts. Pedro Beato (3-2) picked up the win with a scoreless eighth inning despite giving up a hit and a walk. Paul Clemens (1-2) took the loss, conceding two runs (one earned) on two hits in two-thirds of an inning. Michael Tonkin recorded his seventh save with a scoreless ninth, striking out one.
Ford and Clint Freeman each had two hits to lead the Flock offensively.
The Ducks and Rockers wrap up their three-game series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at BB&T Point. Fans can follow all the action by tuning into the Rockers game broadcast on YouTube, available by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander Brandon Beachy (1-0, 3.24) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Rockers righty Joe Van Meter (6-3, 2.37).
Long Island returns home on Monday, August 19, to open a three-game series against the Somerset Patriots. 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). It’s a K-Man Merch Monday, and a designated player on the Patriots will be selected as the evening’s K-Man. If the K-Man strikes out during the game, fans will receive a 10{02aae7733b2202e1168617f4689001b2a9e9dd460b103893d306c0c4303fb195} savings on a specific item in the Waddle In Shop. If he strikes out a second time, the discount will grow to 20{02aae7733b2202e1168617f4689001b2a9e9dd460b103893d306c0c4303fb195}. A third strikeout by the K-Man increases the savings to 30{02aae7733b2202e1168617f4689001b2a9e9dd460b103893d306c0c4303fb195}. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
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.
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