Mazzilli one hit shy of the cycle
(Waldorf, Md., Sept. 16, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 15-6 on Thursday night in the finale of a three-game midweek series at Regency Furniture Stadium.
Southern Maryland took a 1-0 advantage in the last of the first versus Long Island starting pitcher Joe Iorio when Zach Collier plated Rubi Silva with a triple into the right field corner after Silva was issued a free pass with one man down. Long Island sent ten men to the plate in top of the third against Southern Maryland starter Kolton Mahoney to open up a 7-1 advantage, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from L.J. Mazzilli, a two-run double off the bat of Hector Sanchez, and a three-run home run to centerfield produced by Ramon Flores.
The Ducks opened up a 9-1 cushion in the fourth frame on sacrifice flies courtesy of Steve Lombardozzi and Deibinson Romero that allowed Johnni Turbo (double, team-leading 26th stolen base) and Vladimir Frias (walk, 16th stolen base) to cross the plate. Mazzilli was at it once again in the sixth as he launched a two-run home run to left field for his eighth roundtripper of the campaign which gave the visitors an 11-4 lead. The Flock added a pair of insurance runs in the eighth making it 13-4 thanks to a two-run base knock from Chris Shaw that scored Frias and Lombardozzi.
Iorio (11-2) picked up the victory, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits in six innings on the mound, walking three while striking out a season-high eight. Mahoney (7-5) suffered the loss, giving up nine runs on six hits (one home run) in four innings pitched, walking four, striking out three, hitting a batter, and tossing a wild pitch. Mazzilli led the offensive charge for the Ducks with a single, double, home run, three runs batted in, and his 16th stolen base in as many attempts.
Long Island returns home on Friday evening to begin a three-game weekend series with the York Revolution. 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, presented by NYCB. It’s a Flash Sale Friday as well! From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, fans will have the opportunity to receive a special ticket offer for a future Ducks game. This exclusive deal is available by phone only at (631) 940-TIXX. Left-hander Darin Downs (4-4, 4.33) gets the nod for the Flock against a starting pitcher yet to be announced for the Revolution.
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. Those unable to make the game 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 in the Ducks Video Center on the homepage as well as on the Ducks official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
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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