Trio of relievers combine to strike out eight over four scoreless frames
(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 14, 2021) – The Long Island Ducks welcomed their Atlantic League record 691st all-time sellout crowd on Saturday night, as 7,101 fans packed 6,002-seat Fairfield Properties Ballpark. Those in attendance were treated to a back-and-forth battle that ultimately Long Island dropped to Lancaster by a score of 6-4.
The first half champion Ducks fell behind 1-0 in the first inning on Alejandro de Aza’s RBI double off Ducks starter Darin Downs. The Ducks answered with three runs off Barnstormers starter Dominic DiSabatino in the bottom of the first to take a 3-1 lead. Vladimir Frias scored on a wild pitch, while L.J. Mazzilli and Hector Sanchez collected RBI singles.
A second inning sacrifice fly off the bat of Anderson De La Rosa and a third inning RBI single by de Aza tied the game at three. A three-run fourth inning, highlighted by Nick Shumpert’s RBI single, put the Barnstormers ahead 6-3. Frias’ RBI double in the fourth closed the gap to two. However, the Ducks could not pull even.
DiSabatino (9-3) picked up the win, tossing five innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two. Downs (1-4) suffered the loss, surrendering six runs (five earned) on 11 hits and two walks over five innings with three strikeouts. Scott Shuman earned his 12th save of the season with a scoreless ninth, striking out three.
Hunter Cervenka, Brady Dragmire and Danny Barnes combined to pitch four scoreless innings in relief for Long Island, striking out eight. Saturday’s crowd was the Ducks Atlantic League record 691st sold out crowd all-time.
The Ducks and Barnstormers wrap up their three-game set on Sunday afternoon. Game time is slated for 5:05 p.m., with the Fairfield Properties Ballpark gates opening at 4:35 (4:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Sunglasses, courtesy of News 12 Long Island. It’s also a Sunday Family Funday, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Prior to the game, fans will be able to enjoy a Catch on the Field from 4:10 to 4:30. After the game, kids and kids at heart can take part in Kids Run the Bases. Right-hander Hunter Caudelle (0-0, 2.08) toes the rubber for the Ducks against Barnstormers lefty Tommy Shirley (2-1, 4.97).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased 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 in the Ducks Video Center on the homepage 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, 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)
With teams throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 1,000 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 42 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 24-year history. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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