Long Island rallies back from 5-1 deficit to earn 6-5 victory
(Photo courtesy of Joe Doll)
(Lancaster, Pa., July 1, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 6-5 in seven innings on Thursday night in the final game of a three-game series at Clipper Magazine Stadium.
For the second night in a row, a first-inning RBI fielder’s choice from Lew Ford gave the Ducks an early 1-0 lead. It stayed that way until the bottom of the fourth when a two-run double to left-center field by Kelly Dugan put the Barnstormers in front 2-1. A three-run fifth inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Melvin Mercedes and an RBI single by Alejandro de Aza, gave Lancaster a 5-1 lead.
Clint Freeman’s RBI infield single in the sixth closed the gap to 5-2. The Ducks then rallied for four runs in the seventh to go in front 6-5. A two-run single by L.J. Mazzilli, a run-scoring fielding error and an RBI single by Ben Farias did the damage.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Cody Boydstun tossed five innings, allowing two unearned runs on six hits with one strikeout. Joe Iorio yielded five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out two. Danny Barnes (1-0) earned the win with a scoreless sixth inning, striking out one. Scott Shuman (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering four runs on four hits and two walks in one inning. Michael Tonkin picked up his sixth save with a scoreless seventh inning.
Johnni Turbo, Steve Lombardozzi each had two hits to lead the Flock offensively. Mazzilli drove in two runs and scored once, while Turbo and Lombardozzi scored twice each.
The Ducks return home on Friday night to begin a four-game series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. 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. The first 750 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Inflatable Bats. It’s also a Flash Sale Friday! Fans can enjoy a special buy one, get one ticket free offer for the game on Wednesday, July 7, by calling (631) 940-TIXX between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Right-hander Mike Bolsinger (1-3, 8.22) gets the start for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Sam Burton (1-2, 7.71).
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 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)
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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