Long Island overcomes early 3-0 deficit before Lancaster takes lead for good in eighth
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 18, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Lancaster Barnstormers 6-5 on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Kelly Dugan gave the Barnstormers an early 2-0 lead with a two-run home run to right-center field in the second inning off Ducks starter Joe Iorio. A solo homer to left-center by Caleb Gindl in the fifth extended Lancaster’s lead to three.
The Ducks got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth when Rey Fuentes scored from third on a double play ball. Long Island then tied the game at three in the sixth on back-to-back two-out RBI singles by Fuentes and Sal Giardina off Barnstormers starter Andro Cutura.
Johnni Turbo gave the Ducks the lead with a two-out solo homer to left in the seventh. However, a two-out, three-run double to left field by pinch-hitter LeDarious Clark in the eighth put Lancaster back in front 6-4. Daniel Fields delivered a two-out RBI double in the eighth to close the gap to one, but the Ducks had the tying run thrown out at home plate.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Iorio pitched seven innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out two. Cutura lasted five and two-thirds innings, yielding three runs (one earned) on four hits and four walks with five strikeouts. Gabriel Moya (2-0) picked up the win despite allowing a run on two hits in one and one-third innings. Hunter Cervenka (0-1) took the loss, conceding three runs on two hits and a walk with three strikeouts in one inning. Scott Shuman earned his fifth save with a scoreless ninth, walking and striking out two each.
Fuentes led the Flock with two hits, two walks an RBI and two runs scored. Giardina added two hits, an RBI and a walk.
The Ducks and Barnstormers continue their three-game set on Saturday night. 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). Following the game, all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Spectacular. It’s also a Lucky Seat Saturday, presented by Long Island MacArthur Airport. One lucky fan in the park will win a free trip to Nashville. Simply sign up at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse prior to first pitch to be eligible. Left-hander Darin Downs (season debut) takes the mound for the Ducks against TBD.
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 Leagu 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.
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