(Central Islip, N.Y., June 13, 2023) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Charleston Dirty Birds 8-7 in walk-off fashion on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Charleston took an immediate 2-0 lead in the first inning on back-to-back solo home runs by Jalen Miller and Dwight Smith Jr. off Ducks starter Joe Iorio. Long Island responded with a six-run second inning off Dirty Birds starter Colt Webb to go in front 6-2. RBI doubles by Adeiny Hechavarria and Boog Powell along with a three-run homer to right field by Chance Sisco highlighted the inning.
The Revolution closed to within 6-4 on a solo homer by Justin O’Conner in the third and an RBI single by Yovan Gonzalez in the sixth. Long Island pushed the lead back up to three in the seventh on Alex Dickerson’s RBI single to right.
The Dirty Birds rallied in the ninth for three runs to tie the game at seven on a wild pitch that plated Yefri Perez and a two-run single to left by O’Conner. However, Ruben Tejada walked leading off the bottom of the ninth, advanced to second on a groundout and scored the winning run on Sam Travis’ RBI single up the middle.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Iorio pitched six innings of four-run ball, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out six. Webb lasted five innings, conceding six runs (five earned) on seven hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Kevin Quackenbush (3-2) picked up the win despite allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk in one inning. Joan Martinez (0-1) took the loss, surrendering the game-winning run on a hit and a walk in one-third of an inning.
Tzu-Wei Lin led the Flock offensively with three hits and a run. Powell, Travis and Dickerson each added two hits, an RBI and a run.
The Ducks and Dirty Birds 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 purchase Long Island Ducks Clip Bows for just $10 (normally $15) at the Waddle In Shop throughout the ballgame. Left-hander Stephen Tarpley (1-2, 5.22) takes the mound for the Ducks against Dirty Birds southpaw Joe Testa (1-1, 2.82).
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 live on Flo Baseball by 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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