(Central Islip, N.Y., July 12, 2022) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lexington Legends 16-15 on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.

A two-out grand slam by Dwight Smith Jr. in the first inning off Ducks starter Scott Harkin gave the Legends an early 4-0 lead. The Ducks answered back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first on sacrifice flies from Sam Travis and Deibinson Romero off Legends starter Daniel Corcino.

Lexington got both runs back in the second on Phillip Ervin’s two-run homer to left. However, the Ducks responded with an eight-run second inning to take a 10-6 lead. Kevin Whatley’s RBI single, L.J. Mazzilli’s three-run homer, Alejandro De Aza’s RBI double, Travis’ RBI single and a two-run double by Vladimir Frias did the damage.

Smith Jr.’s double play ball in the third scored Jordany Valdespin, making it a 10-7 game. Three more runs followed for the Ducks on Lew Ford’s two-run homer to right-center and Joe DeCarlo’s RBI single up the middle. Lexington closed to within 13-12 with a five-run fourth, highlighted by Rusber Estrada’s solo homer and Manuel Geraldo’s three-run homer. However, a wild pitch that scored Whatley and a two-run single by De Aza in the bottom of the inning made it 16-12 Long Island.

Tillman Pugh’s solo homer in the fifth and Boog Powell’s solo homer in the eighth made it 16-14 Ducks. An RBI single by Pugh in the ninth closed the gap to one. However, Lexington could not pull even.

Harkin (6-6) picked up the win, tossing five innings, allowing 13 runs (nine earned) on 14 hits and a walk while striking out six. Corcino (2-8) suffered the loss, surrendering 13 runs on 12 hits and four walks over two and two-thirds innings. Tyler Webb collected his seventh save despite allowing a run on three hits in ninth inning.

Ford led the Flock offensively with four hits, two RBIs and four runs scored. De Aza added two hits, three RBIs, two runs and two walks, while Mazzilli finished with two hits, three RBIs and three runs.

The Ducks and Legends continue their three-game set on Wednesday 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). It’s a Waddle In Wednesday at the ballpark! Fans will be able to enjoy a special one-day-only deal in the Waddle In Shop throughout the ballgame. Right-hander Joe Iorio (6-2, 3.67) takes the mound for the Ducks against Legends righty David Lebron (1-2, 6.32).

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. 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 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. Over 8 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)

The Atlantic League is the first Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. The ALPB has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing 44 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. For more information, please visit AtlanticLeague.com.

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