Mazzilli extends hitting streak, Fields sends everyone home happy
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 3, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs 5-4 in waddle off fashion on Saturday evening at Fairfield Properties Ballpark to even up their four-game holiday weekend wraparound series at a victory apiece.
The Blue Crabs took a 1-0 lead versus Ducks starting pitcher Darin Downs four batters into the ballgame courtesy of a two-out run-scoring single off the bat of David Harris that plated Michael Baca after he doubled with one man down earlier in the frame.
Southern Maryland made it 3-0 in their favor in the top of the sixth inning thanks to an RBI ground out off the bat of Will Decker that scored Jake Luce who led off the frame with a double, and a run-scoring infield single produced by Harris that plated a hustling Michael Baca all the way from second base.
Long Island batted around against Blue Crabs starter Daryl Thompson just one half-inning later, scoring four times to take a 4-3 lead. The rally began when Steve Lombardozzi drew a leadoff walk and moved up into scoring position at second by way of an Ian Kinsler base knock. L.J. Mazzilli drove home Lombardozzi with a single of his own, extending his hitting streak to a team-best 12 consecutive games overall and the Flock were on the scoreboard for the first time on the night. The Ducks tied the game at three as Vladimir Frias drove in Mazzilli with an infield single, and jumped out in front just one batter later when Juan De La Cruz enabled Frias to score the go-ahead run by way of a sharp line drive single to left center which came right after Frias stole second base, his first bag swiped on the campaign.
The visitors tied the game at four in the top of the eighth off Ducks reliever Danny Barnes by way of an RBI double from Decker that scored Baca who preceded Decker with a two-base hit of his own. The Ducks sent the faithful Flock fans home with big smiles on their faces in the bottom half of the ninth against losing pitcher Greyfer Eregua (1-2) as Daniel Fields plated Jesse Berardi with an RBI double after Berardi led off the inning with a single and advanced to second by way of a passed ball, giving Long Island their third waddle off victory in 2021 while making a winner out of Michael Tonkin (2-1) in relief. Neither starting pitcher factored in the game’s final outcome as Thompson surrendered four runs on seven hits across five and two-thirds innings pitched, walking and striking out a pair. Downs allowed three runs on five hits in six innings pitched, walking one and striking out four notching his first quality start of 2021 in the process. Kinsler led the way for Long Island with two hits.
The Ducks and Blue Crabs continue their four-game series on Sunday 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, presented by Catholic Health. Right-hander Brendan Feldmann (1-1, 6.60) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Blue Crabs righty Mike Devine (4-2, 4.54).
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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