(Central Islip, N.Y., May 7, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Gastonia Honey Hunters 6-4 on Sunday afternoon in the rubber game of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
A first inning three-spot off Honey Hunters starter Ian McKinney gave the Ducks an early 3-0 lead. Daniel Murphy’s RBI single to right field and Adeiny Hechavarria’s two-run single to left got the scoring started. An RBI single by Steven Sensley off Ducks starter Brett Kennedy in the second trimmed the Ducks lead to 3-1.
The advantage remained two until the seventh when Boog Powell scored from third on a wild pitch and Murphy added another RBI single, making it a 5-1 ballgame. Steven Moya’s three-run homer to right field in the eighth closed the gap to 5-4, but Hechavarria answered with a solo blast to left-center in the bottom of the frame to push Long Island’s lead back up to two.
Kennedy (1-0) earned the win, tossing five and two-thirds innings of one-run ball, allowing eight hits and two walks while striking out four. McKinney (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering three runs on six hits and two walks over five and one-third innings with three strikeouts. Kevin Quackenbush picked up his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth despite yielding a hit and a walk.
Hechavarria led the Flock offensively with three hits, three RBIs, a run and a walk. Murphy added two hits, two RBIs, a run and a walk, while Powell and Lew Ford each chipped in with two hits and two runs.
The Ducks hit the road on Tuesday night to open a three-game series against the York Revolution. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at WellSpan Park. Fans can follow all the action live on Flo Baseball by CLICKING HERE. Right-hander Joe Iorio (0-1, 2.57) gets the start for the Ducks against Revolution lefty Denson Hull (0-0, 1.29).
Long Island returns home on Tuesday, May 16, for another three-game set with the Revolution. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m., with Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). It’s a Triple Play Tuesday at the ballpark! If the Ducks turn a triple play during the game, one lucky fan will win $25,000. Simply sign up prior to first pitch at the Ticket Kiosk on the main concourse to be eligible. Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
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